Maturation of perithecia and ascospores discharge in South American leaf blig…

The Ascomycota fungus Microcyclus ulei is a major threat for natural rubber production. The ascospores play a major role in the survival and dissemination of the fungus. The present study indicates that the ascospores are present on the leaves shortly after infection. Although their abundance is higher on leaflets 50–70 days after they reach maturity, ascospores are still found on 6months-old…