Disease Cycle

A sequence of events leading to a disease attack. This is typically:
1. Inoculation of the plant by spores or mycelium;
2. Pre-penetration which involves germination of spores;
3. Penetration into the plant by way of damaged tissues or cells (for example due to a poorly set mower), openings such as stomata, or direct penetration into plant cells;
4. Infection is where pathogens are actively attacking a plant, in particular they are using the plant cells as food and energy resources for their growth;
5. Dissemination or spread of the pathogen, which may be through moisture such as dew or rainfall, wind, animals, machinery or hand tools, workers and players footwear, or contaminated mower clippings.