Mycelial growth, spore germination and sporulation (production of cirri) of Stenocarpella macrospora and S. maydis were evaluated under temperatures ranging from 5 ºC to 45 ºC and under different photoperiods. Monosporic isolates from each species of Stenocarpella from infected corn stalks, collected in the experimental area of the University of Passo Fundo RS, were used throughout this work. Temperature range between 23 and 28 ºC allowed the fastest mycelial growth for two isolates, both under continuous light and under 12 h photoperiod. No mycelial growth was observed at 5 ºC and 45 ºC for either isolate. Mycelium of both isolates grew faster under a photoperiod of 12 h. Conidia of both fungi did not germinate even after 24 h of incubation at 5 and 45 ºC, independently of photoperiod. The highest proportion of conidial germination of the isolate of S. maydis was observed between 28 and 33 ºC. On the other hand, conidia of S. macrospora germinated under lower temperature range than S. maydis. Conidia of both species germinated faster in the presence of light. For both isolates, sporulation on corn stalk segments was highest at temperatures ranging from 30 to 35 ºC under continuous light.
vegetative and reproductive development; photoperiod; Diplodia
