Teliospore Survival and Plant Quarantine Significance of Tilletia Indies (causal agent of Karnal bunt) Particularly in Relation to China |
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Authors: | Z ZHANG U LANGE SB MATHUR |
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Institution: | Dalien Animal and Rant Quarantine Services, 67 Stalin Road, Dalien, Liaoning (China).;Danish Government Institute of Seed Pathology for Developing Countries, Ryvangs Allé78, 2900 Hellerup (Denmark). |
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Abstract: | The influence of temperature, light and soil conditions on teliospore germination of Tilletia (Neovossia) Indica was investigated. The teliospores were germinated by incubation in an aqueous suspension in a concavity on a water agar surface and the germination percentage was scored directly under low magnification of the compound microscope. The optimal temperature range for germination was found to be 15 to 22°C. Germination was extremely low at 2°C, but total inhibition was only observed after prolonged exposure to 35®C (in darkness) or to - 18°C under dry conditions. Light was shown to have a stimulating effect on germination (artificial daylight was found to be better that near ultraviolet light). No stimulation was achieved by prolonging the illumination from 12 to 24 h. Teliospores from 5-year-old wheat samples were shown to be viable. The weather conditions of the various wheat- growing areas of China were compared with the results obtained for the survival of teliospores of T. indica. It is concluded that a considerable risk exists for establishment and spread of the Karnal bunt disease if first accidentally introduced into China. Strict quarantine precautions, and policies can minimize or even eliminate this risk. |
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