Modelling the effect of pH and H2S on the germination of F. graminearum spores under different temperature conditions

Fusarium graminearum ( F. graminearum ) is a vital pathogen of Fusarium head blight (FHB). Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), which can be induced by stress in plants as a fungal inhibitor, affects the germination of spores through the detection of environmental factors such as temperature and pH. Based on mathematical models, F. graminearum was treated with different temperatures, pH, and H 2 S concentration to investigate spore germination events. This paper considered the synergistic effects of temperature and pH on spores in order to determine the optimal germination environment. Under these circumstances, the inhibition of spore germination with different concentrations of H 2 S was quantified. The results suggested that the germination time negatively correlates with the germinating rate. An increase in temperature altered the weak alkali preference of F. graminearum spores. At 28 °C, spores were more sensitive to the changes in pH. H 2 S gas could delay the germinating process significantly, however the required H 2 S concentration varied with environmental changes. This paper provides a perspective on the synergistic effect of temperature and pH on spore germination and contributes to determining the concentration of H 2 S as a management of FHB.