ASCOMYCETES 203 



XII. MOLLISIACE^E 

 This family differs from the Helotiaceae largely in texture, the 

 former being tougher, and as a rule made up of hyphal cells 

 modified in a prosenchymatic or fibrous manner. The spores are 

 hyaline and very similar to those of the Helotiacese. The only 

 genus of importance in producing plant diseases is Pseudopeziza. 



Fig. 77 a. Alfalfa Leaf Spot. (Photograph by H. H. Whetzel) 



Pseudopeziza. In this genus the apothecium is formed beneath 

 the epidermis, which is later ruptured, and the mature fruit body 

 is relatively simple in structure and shallow. The asci contain eight 

 unicellular spores. 



XIII. ALFALFA LEAF SPOT 



Pseudopeziza Medicaginis (Lib.) Sacc. 



Combs, Robt. The Alfalfa Leaf Spot Disease. Iowa Agl. Exp. Sta. Built. 

 36: 858-859. 



The alfalfa leaf spot is often very abundant both in Europe 

 and America, and particularly injurious during rather dry seasons. 



