Pathogenicity of Septoria carvi Syd. towards Caraway Carum carvi L, （Apiaceae）

Septoria carvi belong to the fungi recently detected on caraway plants in the Polish climatic conditions. In many European countries, this fungus causes significant losses in caraway cultivation and decreases the quality and quantity of the herb material. The aim of the present work was to study the fungus harmfulness towards the sowing materials, stems, leaves and umbels of caraway. The pathogenicity tests according to Koch＇s postulates were carried out for isolates ofS. carvi using post-culture liquids and a water suspension of conidia to inoculate the plants＇ parts. The studies were conducted in the laboratory, the climatic chamber and in field conditions. S. carvi caused disease symptoms in the form of spots and necrosis on all tested plants organs. The infection was followed by natural openings what was shown by scanning electron microscope （SEM） microscopic observations. The efficiency of inoculation increased injuries and anatomical dipping of plant epidermal tissue. The study showed the ability for asymptomatic S. carvi colonization of inoculated plants＇ parts. The performed pathogenicity tests and microscopic observations SEM showed that the tested isolates of S. carvi were occasional pathogens of caraway.