Botrytis genus fungi as causal agents of legume diseases: A review

Abstract

Grain legumes are important crops for the diversification of European farming system. In Latvia, the areas of faba beans (Vicia faba) and field peas (Pisum sativum) are increasing and legumes that have not been previously cultivated are sown. Globally, the important causal agent of legume diseases belongs to the genus Botrytis. Botrytis spp. cause significant losses in faba beans and infect a wide range of legume crops. Currently, the composition, pathogenicity and biological characteristics of Botrytis species in legumes in Latvia are not known. The aim of this study was to summarize the information about Botrytis spp. on legumes, using monographic method. The researches carried out all over the world show a high genetical diversity of Botrytis cinerea. Non-host specific B. cinerea has been found on 586 plant genera, including many legume crops. B. cinerea causes gray mold on leaves and pods of field peas, gray mold on pods of faba beans, and chocolate spot of faba bean leaves. B. fabae can infect plants from Fabaceae family. B. fabiopsis is known as a pathogen of faba beans. B. fabiopsis has been observed in Latvia, but no information is available on its presence in Europe. B. pseudocinerea has been found on beans, peas, and clover (Trifolium). Some other Botrytis spp. have been detected on legumes; however, their occurrence and importance are not clear. Summary of existing knowledge about Botrytis spp. on legumes is necessary to continue investigations about the diversity and economic importance of Botrytis spp. in legumes.