Results of studies conducted to determine the effects of moisture on pre-penetration events supports the idea that prolonged periods of high relative humidity, but not free water, are necessary for gray leaf spot development. Thorson and Martinson (60) reported that germ tube elongation and appressorium formation were favored by extended periods of 95% relative humidity. Germ tubes were significantly longer at 95% relative humidity than at 90 and 80% relative humidity. Appressoria were formed at 95% relative humidity after 48 and 72 h of exposure, but none were observed at relative humidities less than 95%. The number of appressoria formed
per germ tube increased as exposure time increased. When compared to 95% relative humidity, fewer, but larger appressoria were formed in the presence of free water. Assessing the effect of intermittent periods of 95% relative humidity on germ tube growth and appressoria formation, Thorson and Martinson (60) concluded that germ tubes of C. zeae-mayd/s were capable of surviving extended periods of desiccation prior to continuing growth and penetration; however, survival was directly related to the relative humidity during the unfavorable periods and decreased
as time spent at the unfavorable relative humidity increased. Beckman and Payne (3) reported similar results regarding the effects of free water on the formation of appressorium and the ability of germinated spores to survive for extended periods on the surface of maize leaves before penetration occurred. Fewer appressoria were formed and no penetration was observed on the upper surface of the leaves where free water was present. On the lower leaf surface, spores germinated after a 12-h moisture period with germ tube showing positive tropism towards stomata. Abundant appressoria were formed over stomata 4-5 days after inoculation. In the presence of
free water on the upper surface of maize leaves, germ tubes grew extensively but did not show tropism towards stomata. These results have led researchers to speculate that free moisture may be inhibitory to infection and subsequent development of gray leaf spot of maize. This, however, conflicts with the findings of Rupe et al. (48) which suggested that extended periods of leaf wetness were necessary for gray leaf spot development. The apparent discordance among reports
on the influence of leaf wetness on the development of gray leaf spot may be due in part to differential effects of this factor on specific stages of the disease cycle, oh the development of the fungus, and the interactions between the plant and the fungus.
Lapaire and Dunkle (32, 33) reported the occurrence of microcycle conidiation in C. zeae-mayd/s on water droplets and on the trichomes of several plant species, including maize. However, this process did not occur on the surface of maize leaves and was inhibited by leaf washes. This suggests that in the presence of free water on surfaces other than the leaves of maize, the inoculum potential of C. zeae-mayd/s may substantially increase due to the production of secondary spores from primary spores. Assessing the effects of relative humidity on spore germination and microcycle conidiation, these researchers reported that germination occurred at
relative humidities between 58 and 100%, but at relative humidities below 97%, germ tube growth was minimal, consequently, secondary conidiation did not occur. Although high relative humidity favors germination and conidiation, dryer conditions seem to favor spore detachment and ispersal. Results of wind simulation studies showed that dehydrated conidia of C. zeae-mayd/s were detached at wind speeds below average canopy wind speeds, while hydrated conidia were detached by greater wind speeds (33). These results corroborated the findings of Rupe et al. (48) which showed that spore release within the maize canopy was greatest in early
afternoon when there is typically a rise in temperatures coincident with a drop in
relative humidity. This suggests that fluctuating moisture conditions in the field may
favor different stages of the disease cycle.