Effect of temperature on epidemiological parameters of Puccinia lagenophorae

The effect of temperature on latent period and aeciospore production of Puccinia lagenophorae on Senecio vulgaris was determined in small-scale experiments under controlled conditions. A clear effect of temperature on latent period was demonstrated. Latent period decreased exponentially with increasing temperature. Both total aeciospore production and net reproductive number increased linearly with increasing temperature in a range from 10 to 22 degreesC. The three parameters were incorporated in models to determine the effect of temperature on epidemic development. The present study suggests an increase in the exponential growth rate, r, and the velocity of focus expansion, V, with temperature. This increase in epidemic development was caused mainly by the effect of temperature on latent period and on net reproductive number. The effect of temperature on the sporulation curve appeared to be less important.