Susceptibility to downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) of different Vitis varieties

The susceptibility of different varieties of Vitis vinifera and other Vitis species to downy mildew (caused by Plasmopara viticola) in field, greenhouse and laboratory tests was compared over a period of three years. Different degrees of susceptibility were detected. The most susceptible V. vinifera varieties were ‘Treixadura’ and ‘Albariño; ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’, ‘Mencía’ and ‘Chasselas Doré’ were the least susceptible. The non-vinifera varieties showed no symptoms of downy mildew in the field. Surprisingly, in laboratory and greenhouse tests, the rootstock 110-R was much more susceptible to infection than S04. No relationship was seen between susceptibility and berry colour, or the time of sprouting or fruit ripening. Neither was any correlation seen between susceptibility and the condition of being a traditional or introduced variety. Better knowledge of the susceptibility to downy mildew of different varieties would allow for growers and breeders to select those that are more resistant.     

Responses of maize, sorghum and millet host plants to infestation by Striga hermonthica

Twelve samples of Striga hermonthica seed were collected from four host crops [millet (4), sorghum (4), a sorghum/millet intercrop (3) and maize (1)] from all the main areas of S. hermonthica infestation in Nigeria and were tested on eight genotypes of three test crops [maize (4), sorghum (2) and millet (2)] in two screenhouse trials. Plants of each test genotype were sown in pots and heavily infested with S. hermonthica. Emergence count of the parasite, test crop damage rating (1–9), and test crop plant height were measured at 9 weeks after planting. The effects of genotypes, samples and their interaction for all three traits measured were highly significant (p = 0.001). Of the 12 samples of S. hermonthica, all have high emergence on both maize and sorghum. Seven samples gave low emergence on millet genotypes and two none at all. Three of the four samples from millet sources gave higher parasite emergence on sorghum and maize than on millet. For Striga damage rating, millet had the lowest average scores, followed by maize and sorghum. The responses of maize genotypes to samples from millet and sorghum sources were significantly different. Millet genotypes also had different responses to the samples from millet sources. For plant height differences, samples from sorghum sources interacted significantly with test maize genotypes, and millet samples with sorghum genotypes. The results indicate that both intercrop and intracrop strains of S. hermonthica are present in Nigeria.     

Ranking of partial resistance to common rust (Puccinia sorghi Schr.) in 30 sweet corn (Zea mays) hybrids

Thirty sweet corn (Zea mays) hybrids were evaluated for resistance to rust (Puccinia sorghi Schr.) for 3 years in an artificially inoculated field plot at St Paul, Minnesota. On the basis of visual determinations of rust severity, these cultivars were ranked according to level of resistance. All of them allowed at least some rust to develop, but the degree of final rust severity varied considerably. Correlation coefficients between the rust severity scores recorded for the hybrids in all three pairs of years were 0·68 (1978–1979), 0·79 (1978–1980) and 0·86 (1979–1980). Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were 0·76, 0·89 and 0·82, respectively, for the same comparisons.     

Antiradical properties of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) flour extracts

Epidemiological studies support the belief that whole grains are protective against several chronic diseases. The health benefits of whole grains are attributed in part to their unique phytochemical composition. Major phytochemicals in grains include various classes of phenolic compounds, flavonoids and coumarin derivatives, etc. Phenolic compounds present in grains possess antioxidant properties that are associated with the health benefits of grains and grain products. Sorghum is one of the main staple cereal grains in hot dry tropics and ranks fifth among cereal crops in the world. Although sorghum is rich in phenolics and tannins which are proven anticancer and cardioprotective constituents, human consumption of sorghum is limited. To our knowledge, there is limited literature on the profile of antioxidant phytochemicals in the local white variety of sorghum. Hence, the objective of this study was to investigate the antioxidant property of white sorghum flour extracts in vitro and also to identify the fractions responsible for the antioxidant activity. In the present study, we analyzed the antioxidative properties of various extracts (water, 60% methanol, 60% ethanol, and 60% t-butanol) of white sorghum flour employing the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) model system. Phenolics, antiradical and antioxidant activities were also examined in chromatographic sub-fractions of the soxhlet methanolic extract. Our results indicated that the various extracts exhibited significant antioxidant activity that did not correlate with the phenolic content. Further, two sub-fractions eluted with methanol and acetone/methanol were found to possess strong antioxidant activity in two assay systems. Our results suggest that a diet rich in sorghum may be useful in combating diseases in which free radical production plays a key role.     

Insecticide resistance, mixture potentiation and fitness in populations of the maize weevil (Sitophilus zeamais)

High levels of pyrethroid resistance and emerging organophosphate resistance in Brazilian populations of the maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) led to the registration of esfenvalerate + fenitrothion against them. Thus, a survey of physiological and behavioural resistance was carried out in 27 insect populations for two pyrethroids, esfenvalerate and permethrin, and the esfenvalerate + fenitrothion mixture. Physiological resistance to fenitrothion was also assessed, as was the potentiation of the mixture. The potential fitness cost associated with insecticide resistance was also investigated. The resistance levels were low to fenitrothion (<14.1-fold), low to moderate to the pyrethroids (1.6–70.0-fold) and low to the pyrethroid-organophosphate mixture (<5-fold) with a high heterogeneity of response among populations. The potentiation of insecticidal activity achieved with the insecticide mixture was very high (>350-fold) reinforcing its usefulness for managing weevils. There was little variation in walking behaviour (and insecticide avoidance) among populations; there was no significant variation in fitness, body mass and respiration rate among the populations of the insect. These however, displayed variable rates of grain consumption and activity of amylase and lipase. A decrease in insecticide resistance in maize weevil populations was observed relative to previous studies, but with an initial development of resistance to the insecticide mixture. Behavioural and physiological resistance were not correlated and not associated with fitness cost. Our results support the use of esfenvalerate + fenitrothion against the maize weevil, which is likely to have reduced the levels of pyrethroid resistance in field populations. However, resistance to this mixture seems to be evolving, justifying concerns regarding its use.     

The integrated use of genetic and chemical methods for control of lettuce downy mildew (Bremia lactucae Regel)

The options for integrating genetic and chemical methods for the control of Bremia lactucae (downy mildew) on lettuce are discussed. Used individually, all available control measures have their limitations, but there is considerable scope for combining procedures. Each option is considered in terms of its efficacy, potential durability and practicality. Maximum efficacy and durability in the future are likely to result from using mixed fungicide formulations on cultivars which have been bred to incorporate effective novel R genes into a ‘field-resistant’ background.     

Stalk strength and reaction to infection by Macrophomina phaseolina of brown midrib maize (Zea mays) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)

Reduced lignin concentration in brown mid-rib mutants in both maize and sorghum have resulted in improved dry matter digestibility, increased milk yield and higher energy in lactating cows. However, the mutations were not widely deployed due to concern that reduced lignin concentration might increase vulnerability to lodging and stalk rot incidence. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of the mutations on stalk strength and stalk rot resistance in both sorghum and maize. Six brown midrib (bmr) sorghum, four brown midrib (bm) maize, and their normal isolines were evaluated for stalk strength and stalk rot disease reaction at two locations in four replications. Three randomly selected plants in each plot were inoculated with Macrophomina phaseolina at 14 d after flowering by using the toothpick inoculation technique. On 28 d after inoculation, the plants were rated for disease severity by measuring the length of necrotic lesions in the stalks. Stalk strength was determined from another three random plants in each plot by using a rind penetrometer. The mutations had no effect on stalk rot disease severity in either sorghum or maize though stalks strength was markedly affected by the mutations in both species. While maize bm entries broke easily in response to mild mechanical stress, bmr sorghums did not exhibit sign of stalk collapse in all backgrounds. The result suggests that the bmr genes in both maize and sorghum can be deployed without incurring losses to stalk rot disease.     

Identification of resistance to Uromyces pisi (Pers.) Wint. in Pisum spp. germplasm

A germplasm collection of 2759 pea accessions was screened for resistance against Uromyces pisi (Pers.) Wint. All accessions displayed a compatible interaction (high infection type) both in adult plants under field conditions and in seedlings under growth chamber conditions, but with varying levels of disease reduction. The identified resistance was based on reduction of disease severity with no associated host cell necrosis, which fits the definition of Partial Resistance. No complete resistance or incomplete resistance based on hypersensitivity was observed.     

Analysis of QTL for resistance to head smut (Sporisorium reiliana) in maize

Head smut of maize, caused by the fungus Sporisorium reiliana, is an important disease in the temperate maize-growing areas worldwide. In this study, we mapped and characterized quantitative trait loci (QTL) conferring resistance to S. reiliana using a F_2:3 population of 184 families derived from a cross between Mo17 (resistant parent) and Huangzao4 (susceptible). The population was evaluated for resistance in replicated field trials with artificial inoculation of S. reiliana chlamydospores in Gongzhuling of Jilin Province and Harbin of Heilongjiang Province of China, two hot spots of head smut incidence, in 2003 and 2004. Genotypic and G × E variances for disease incidence were highly significant in the population. Heritability estimates for percentage disease incidence in the 2-location and 2-year evaluation ranged from 0.62 to 0.70. Composite interval mapping on a linkage map (1956.1 cM distance; 9.34 cM average interval) constructed with 84 SSR and 135 AFLP markers, identified five QTL, one each on chromosomes 1, 3 and 8 and two on chromosome 2, accounting for 5.0–43.7% of the phenotypic variance across four environments. One major QTL on chromosome 2 explaining up to 43.7% of the phenotypic variance can potentially be used in molecular marker-assisted selection for head smut resistance in maize.     

Efficacy of azoxystrobin for the control of cucumber downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora cubensis) and fungicide residue analysis

During a five-year trial (2007–2011), the efficacy of azoxystrobin (Quadris, 250 g a.i. L⁻¹, Syngenta) in two doses (187.5 g a.i. ha⁻¹ and 250 g a.i. ha⁻¹) and chlorothalonil (Bravo 720-SC, 720 g a.i. L⁻¹, Syngenta) at a rate of 1.44 kg a.i. ha⁻¹ was tested for the control of cucumber downy mildew (CDM). Cultivars that were susceptible or resistant to CDM (Regal and Haros, respectively) were tested for their response to fungicide applications. Differences in both disease severity and yield of the cultivars among resistance levels and fungicide treatments were observed. A highly significant and negative correlation was obtained between AUDPC and yield. Higher yields can be achieved by planting more resistant cultivars in combination with lower doses of fungicides. This is an indication that CDM contributes significantly to yield losses in cucumber production in Serbia. While monitoring the degradation of azoxystrobin residues, a decrease in residue levels to 1.0 mg kg⁻¹ below the maximum residue level (MRL) was observed at the end of the pre-harvest interval (PHI).     

Multilocation evaluation and selection of stable genotypes for reaction to downy mildew in pearl millet

Twenty-five pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoides (Burm. f.) Stapf and Hub. = P. americanum (L.) K. Schum.) genotypes were evaluated for resistance to downy mildew (Sclerospora graminicola (Sacc.) Schroet.) at 10 different locations in India and Africa during 1979 and 1980. The objective of this work was to identify genotypes with stable and generalized resistance. Genotypic differences in linear regression coefficients were found and regression lines for downy mildew incidence in the various genotypes tended to converge. It was concluded from this that selection on the basis of disease severity would enable genotypes that are superior at all disease levels to be selected. Seven genotypes, namely 700516, 700651, J-1486 × 700787-2-10, P-7, EB-83-2, NC-7174 and SSC-7218, showed low disease scores, average regressions and non-significant deviations, and therefore expressed stable, generalized resistance. Genotype 700251 was particularly suitable for high-disease environments. BJ-104, an important Indian hybrid cultivar, was very unstable and susceptible to downy mildew.     

Levels of resistance of rice cultivars and the weed Leersia hexandra L. to Nephotettix malayanus Ishihara et Kawase and N. virescens (Distant)

Studies on the mechanisms of resistance of some rice cultivars and the weed, Leersia hexandra, to Nephotettix malayanus indicated low survival and popu;ation growth of the insect on resistant cultivars. Tests on feeding behaviour indicated that more feeding punctures were made on resistant than on susceptible cultivars. The amount of honeydew excreted was not related to the levels of resistance. Honeydew excreted on resistant cultivars was acidic (pH 5·08–6·92) and on susceptible L. hexandra, basic (pH 7·56). On the basis of the quality of honeydew excreted, N. malayanus was considered to be predominantly a xylem feeder. A test on the serial transmission of the rice tungro virus (RTV) showed that N. malayanus transmitted the virus for only one day after feeding acquisition. N. virescens was a more efficient vector of RTV than N. malayanus. N. malayanus prefers to feed on L. hexandra rather than on the rice cultivars tested.     

New genes for resistance to green leafhopper, Nephotettix virescens (distant) in rice, Oryza sativa L.

The inheritance of resistance to the green leafhopper, Nephotettix virescens (Distant) (Homoptera: Cicadellidae), in 12 cultivars of rice (Oryza sativa L.) was studied at Joydebpur, Bangladesh. The resistance of Kosatawee is governed by a single recessive gene. The remaining 11 varieties possess single dominant genes for resistance, which are different from the genes Glh 1, Glh 2, Glh 3 and Glh 5. The single dominant genes conveying resistance in TAPL 796, Ptb 18 and IR36 are allelic to each other but are non-allelic to the dominant resistance gene of Maddai Karuppan. The resistance genes in TAPL 796 and Maddai Karuppan were designated Glh 6 and Glh 7 respectively. The dominant resistance gene in Sulai is independent of Glh 6, but its allelic relationship to Glh 7 is not known. The allelic relationships of the dominant genes for resistance of Sulai, TAPL 628, TAPL 651, Leu-Wei-Theu, Bir-co-se-mao-17, Gu-win-gu-gi-goo, and Dikwee to Glh 6 and Glh 7 need to be investigated.     

Screening for resistance to big-vein disease of lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

A methods was developed for screening of breeding populations and evaluation of genotypes of lettuce for resistance to big vein. First and rapid screening of plant populations or large numbers of genotypes was in greenhouse trials by inoculation of the substrate in which the seedlings to be tested were grown with viruliferous zoospores of Olpidium brassicae. Further testing with limited numbers of genotypes was in container tests, using dry soil with viruliferous resting spores as inoculum. No single criterion or simple and early parameter was found to represent fully the final effect of the disease on yield and quality at the time of harvest. Effect on head weight was not correlated with disease incidence or sympton severity. The final effect on promising lines and cultivars could only be studied in field experiments after zoospore inoculation of seedlings in the greenhouse or on naturally infested soil. All 55 lettuce genotypes tested, including American ‘resistant’ crisphead cultivars and breeding lines, developed symptoms of big vein in either test, but there were considerable differences in length of incubation time, sensitivity, and capacity to recover from disease. Loss of head weight was considerable in all nine genotypes tested for yield reduction after early inoculation, and for the crisphead cultivars also after late inoculation. Cos lettuce ‘Lobjoit's Green’ and ‘grasse’ lettuce ‘Little Gem’ are promising parental genotypes for breeding for resistance, as are two entries of Lactuca virosa.     

Elicitation of resistance and defense related enzymes by raw cow milk and amino acids in pearl millet against downy mildew disease caused by Sclerospora graminicola

Modulation of physiological and biochemical defensive responses against downy mildew (DM) of pearl millet induced by raw cow milk (RCM) and five amino acids is reported in this paper. In vitro conditions, none of the inducer treatments showed inhibitory action on DM pathogen. Significant enhancement of seed germination and seedling vigor was observed in RCM and amino acids treated seeds. Under greenhouse conditions, significant protection against DM was provided by l-phenylalanine (68.6%), l-isoleucine (66.5%) and l-proline (55.7%) treatments. Among the RCM treatments, the 10% dilution proved to be the best by offering disease protection of 35%. Spatio-temporal time gap studies indicated that seed treatment with l-phenylalanine increased disease resistance four days after inoculation. Seed treatments with RCM and amino acids also enhanced the vegetative and reproductive growth parameters of pearl millet when compared to the control. A similar trend in protection against DM was evident in the field trials. At the biochemical level, defense related enzymes such as phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), peroxidase (POX) and β-1,3-glucanase showed an increased activity in RCM and amino acids treated seedlings than in sterile distilled water control seedlings. The highest PAL activity was recorded in RCM (10 and 20%) whereas in case of amino acids, the highest activity was observed in l-proline and l-phenylalanine treatments. The highest activity of β-1,3-glucanase was recorded in RCM (20%) and l-phenylalanine.     

Adaptation of sorghum/maize and sorghum/pearl millet intercrop systems to the toposequence land types in the North Sudanian zone of the west African Savanna

Cereal/cereal intercrop systems are commonly used by farmers in the higher-rainfall areas of the South Sudanian and Guinean savanna zones of West Africa. Towards the North Sudanian zone these systems become less common, because of a shorter rainy season with a more abrupt start and end. However, previous work on the responses of maize (Zea mays), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), and pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum) crops to the different toposequence land types indicated that crop mixtures of sorghum/millet for uplands and sorghum/maize for lowlands would be less prone to drought stress and waterlogging risks than would the respective sole crops.The present studies showed consistent intercropping advantages of at least 25% for sorghum/maize systems when both crops are sown at the same time. The relative advantages from this system were greatest for the uplands.Intercropping advantages were generally less for the sorghum/millet systems, and it proved essential to delay the millet sowing to prevent serious competition to the sorghum. Sorghum/millet intercropping provides a risk-reducing alternative to sole cropping, because sorghum plants lost during the common early droughts can be replaced by an early-maturing millet sown in July. However, because of the unpredictability of the early-season rainfall, sorghum/millet systems will be difficult to standardize; both the sowing date and the plant densities of the component crops may require adjustments each year in response to the starting date of the rains and the extent to which the sorghum has survived the early-season droughts.     

Conversion into bioethanol of insect (Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky), mold (Aspergillus flavus Link) and sprout-damaged maize (Zea mays L.) and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench)

The bioconversion into ethanol of insect (Sitophilus zeamais), mold (Aspergillus flavus) and sprout-damaged maize and sorghum was investigated. Kernel test weight losses due to insect damage in maize were almost twice compared to sorghum (18.6 vs. 10.7%). All damaged kernels lost some of the starch and increased soluble sugars, ash and crude fiber. The mold-damaged sorghum contained approximately five times more FAN compared to the control. The sprout-damaged kernels contained the highest amounts of reducing sugars prior (11 g/L) to and at the end (146.5 g/L) of liquefaction with α-amylase. Ethanol yields based on the already damaged grain indicated that sprout-damaged kernels yielded similar amounts compared to sound kernels (381.1 vs. 382.6 L/ton and 376.6 vs. 374.8 L/ton of sorghum or maize respectively). The insect-damaged maize and sorghum have reduced ethanol yields compared with the controls (29 and 23% respectively), and this negative result was mainly due to dry matter losses during the inadequate storage. Despite differences in ethanol yield, all treatments have similar conversion efficiencies (76.1–89.9%) indicating the robustness of yeast facing biotic-damaged feedstocks. This research demonstrates that the use of already damaged insect, mold or sprouted kernels is feasible and a good alternative for biorefineries.     

Effectiveness of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. for control of the stem borer Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) in maize in Kenya

The fungus Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. and insecticide trichlorfon were compared for the control of stem borer, Chilo partellus (Swinhoe) in field experiments at different times of infestation. Egg masses of C. partellus at the blackhead stage were pinned to the undersurface of the maize leaves. Two fungal formulations, conidial aqueous suspensions and a granular formulation, were applied. Compared with the untreated checks, the numbers of surviving C. partellus larvae were significantly reduced in treatments where B. bassiana was applied at a concentration of 10¹³ conidia ha⁻¹ as granules and as two aqueous spray formulations. No significant difference in numbers of stem borer larvae was found between trichlorfon and the untreated check. Fungus granules persisted longer in the field than did one spray of the fungus inoculum at the same concentration, or trichlorfon. A major increase in grain yield was obtained with two fungal sprays and with fungus granules both applied at a concentration of 10¹³ conidia ha⁻¹. A granular formulation of B. bassiana should be considered for the control of the stem borer C. partellus.     

Yield and quality losses caused by common rust (Puccinia sorghi Schw.) in sweet corn (Zea mays) hybrids

Yield and quality of fresh ears were measured in field plots of selected hybrids of sweet corn (Zea mays L.) that were affected by rust (Puccinia sorghi Schw.) or were nearly rust-free (mancozeb-sprayed). In 1978, 28 hybrids were tested. Losses in total yield ranged from zero in the more resistant entries to nearly 50% in more susceptible entries. In 1979, three cultivars were planted. Yield losses of these cultivars were similar in ranking order to those in 1978, although the loss was greater in late-planted plots because of the greater final severity of the disease. Losses in total yield in late-planted sweet corn were 18%, 26% and 49% for cv. Sugarloaf (most resistant), cv. Jubilee (intermediate) and cv. Style Pak (most susceptible), respectively.     

Seed treatment of sorghum varieties with brine (NaCl) solution for control of Striga hermonthica in Sorghum

Field trials were conducted in 1997 and 1998 wet seasons to determine the effect of seed treatment of different sorghum varieties with brine (NaCl) on the control of Striga hermonthica in sorghum. The varieties of sorghum used were ICSV 1002, ICSV 1007 (improved resistant varieties from ICRISAT, Mali), BES (a local improved variety), and War-warabashi (a local susceptible variety). Different concentrations of brine at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 M were used. The results show that the varieties, ICSV 1002 and ICSV 1007 had significantly higher establishment count than the BES and War-warabashi varieties, but had shorter plants. Similarly, the ICSV 1002 and ICSV 1007 and War-warabashi varieties had significantly larger LAI values than the BES variety, although the BES significantly out yielded them. The susceptible War-warabashi variety supported the highest number of Striga emergence than the improved varieties. The effect of brine treatments on plant establishment, growth and yield of sorghum under Striga infestation shows that there was a decrease in crop stands with increase in brine concentration, with the least value at 2.0 M brine treatment, which was damaging at this rate. Plant height and, leaf area index (LAI) of sorghum increased with increasing concentration of brine to a maximum at 1.5 M and declined at 2.0 M brine treatment. The 1.5 M brine treatment produced the highest grain yield. Striga shoot emergence significantly declined with increasing brine concentration reaching the lowest values at 1.5 and 2.0 M brine treatments. The interaction between sorghum varieties and brine concentrations shows that War-warabashi with 1.5 M brine treatment had the tallest plants and largest LAI, while BES and 1.5 M brine produced the highest grain yield. In general, the interaction between the varieties and all the brine concentrations significantly reduced Striga emergence. Irrespective of the sorghum varieties the use of brine at 1.5 M was found optimal for controlling Striga emergence resulting in increased crop growth and grain yield. This implies that which ever variety farmers are using either resistant, tolerant or susceptible, they could easily use brine at 1.5 M to effectively control Striga and increase in grain yield. The mechanism by which brine successfully controlled Striga, is, however, not clear and needs to be investigated.