Overwinter Survival of Bean Rust Urediniospores in North Dakota

Bean rust (Uromyces appendiculatus) reached epidemic proportions in North Dakota and Minnesota from 1993 to 1996. Although U. appendiculatus is a macrocyclic autoecious rust, neither pycnia nor aecia have been observed in commercial dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) in North Dakota fields. The source of initial inoculum is not clearly understood. This study determined the potential for urediniospore survival overwinter. Uredia-bearing bean leaves from artificially inoculated greenhouse-grown plants were kept outside near a field from November to May from 1990 to 1996. Based on bioassays urediniospores survived overwinter, but viability declined over time. Overwinter survival indicates urediniospores may function as initial inoculum.