An avirulence gene homologue in the tomato wilt fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici race 1 functions as a virulence gene in the cabbage yellows fungus F. oxysporum f. sp. conglutinans

Six4, a small protein secreted by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici (Fol) in tomato xylem sap during infection, triggers Fol race 1-specific resistance (I) in tomato. SIX4 is regarded as an avirulence gene. Although SIX4 is considered unique to Fol race 1, we detected this gene in the cabbage yellows fungus F. oxysporum f. sp. conglutinans (Foc) by PCR. Because the genes from Foc and SIX4 in Fol were >99 % identical at the nucleotide level, the Foc gene was designated FocSIX4. The expression of FocSIX4 was detected by RT-PCR in stems and roots of cabbage 8 days after infection with Foc. In contrast with Fol, disruption of FocSIX4 in Foc did not increase virulence to Foc-resistant cabbage cvs. Shutoku-SP and Koikaze. On the contrary, the disruptants had reduced virulence not only on Foc-resistant cultivars but also on Foc-susceptible cv. Shikidori. These results suggested that FocSIX4 is involved in virulence, but not in avirulence, in the cabbage yellows fungus.     

Lamb’s lettuce (Valerianella olitoria): new host of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. conglutinans

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection - A new wilt of lamb’s lettuce (Valerianella olitoria) was detected in northern Italy in 2003 and the causal agent of the disease was identified as...     

Functional analysis of the G-protein α subunits FGA1 and FGA3 in the banana pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense

The asexual fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) is the causal agent of fusarium wilt in bananas (Musa spp.). This fungus poses a threat to banana production throughout the world. Here, two Foc genes, fga1 and fga3, were functionally characterized. These genes encode proteins homologous to the G-protein α subunits GPA1 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae and MAGC from Magnaporthe grisea, respectively. The deletion of fga1 leads to a phenotypic defect in colony morphology and reductions in vegetative growth, conidiation and pathogenicity against the banana plant (Musa spp. cv. Brazil), which was not observed for the Δfga3 deletion mutant. Intriguingly, both Δfga1 and Δfga3 deletion mutants showed declines in intracellular cyclic AMP levels and increases in heat resistance, suggesting that FGA1 regulates growth, development, pathogenicity, and heat resistance, whereas FGA3 modulates heat resistance, potentially through the cAMP-dependent protein kinase A pathway. These findings offer insights into the roles of the G-protein α subunits in the development and pathogenicity of the fungus Foc.     

Morphological and molecular identification of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. narcissi on poet’s daffodil (Narcissus poeticus L.) in Serbia

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection - In autumn 2018, daffodil (narcissus) plants with basal bulb rot were noticed in a plantation in locality Jasika, Serbia. Morphological characterization...     

Effectiveness of antagonistic bacteria,commercial fungicides,and fourth generation quaternary ammonium salts,against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense race “1 or 2”

European Journal of Plant Pathology - There are three races of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense (Foc) that significantly affect commercial banana plantations. Most banana cultivars are very...     

Development of molecular markers and probes based on TEF-1α, β-tubulin and ITS gene sequences for quantitative detection of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris by using real-time PCR

Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris) causes significant yield losses in chickpea worldwide. Faster, reliable and more specific molecular detection techniques were developed for the detection of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris (Foc). The sequences obtained from multiple alignments of target genes, namely, translation elongation factor-1α (TEF-1α), β-tubulin, and internal transcribed spacer (ITS), were used to design Foc-specific markers/probes. One set of TEF-1α-based molecular marker, namely, SPα-F and R, two sets of β-tubulin-based markers, namely, SPβ1-F and R, and SPβ2-F and R, and one set of ITS gene, namely, SPT-F and R, were developed for the detection and quantification of Foc from diverse samples. The specificity and sensitivity of the designed molecular markers were evaluated through conventional and real-time PCR assays which differentiated the Foc from closely related species of Fusarium and other plant pathogens. In conventional PCR, the minimum detection limits of the markers ranged from 12.5 pg to 100 pg for genomic DNA of Foc and 0.5 ng to 10 ng for infected plant samples. In real-time PCR assay, the minimum detection limits of the markers ranged from 0.001 pg to 0.25 pg for genomic DNA of Foc and from 0.04 pg to 1.5 pg for the infected plant samples. Thus, the markers designed in the present study were found to be specific for Foc and can be used consistently for the detection and identification of Foc isolates. The probes developed from the two sets of markers, namely, SPα and SPβ2, also showed specificity with Foc.     

Efficacy and dose–response relationship in biocontrol of Fusarium disease in maize by Streptomyces spp.

Two isolates of Streptomyces spp. DAUFPE 11470 and DAUFPE 14632 were evaluated to determine the antagonist–pathogen inoculum concentration relationship under greenhouse conditions. Pathogen and antagonist concentration, significantly (P < 0.05) affected development of Fusarium disease in maize with a significant interaction between pathogen and antagonist concentration. Dose–response relationship also differed significantly (P < 0.05) between the two isolates, but both isolates demonstrated effective control of Fusarium disease, regardless of pathogen concentration. The isolate DAUFPE 11470 provided the most effective control. The lowest value for disease incidence occurred at low pathogen (10³ chlamydospore g⁻¹ soil) and high antagonist concentration (10⁶ cfu ml⁻¹) for both isolates. The disease incidence for control plants ranged from 19% to 76%. However, in relation to control the lowest disease reduction occurred at low pathogen (10³ chlamydospore g⁻¹ soil) and high antagonist concentrations (10⁶ cfu ml⁻¹). These reductions were 10.6% and 13% for DAUFPE 14632 and DAUFPE 11470, respectively. The highest disease reductions, in relation to control plants, occurred at high pathogen (10⁶ chlamydospore g⁻¹ soil) and antagonist (10⁶ cfu ml⁻¹) concentrations for both isolates. These values were 55% and 62.2% for DAUFPE 14632 and DAUFPE 11470, respectively. The chlamydospore germination of Fusarium moniliforme was affected by glucose addition, antagonist isolates and type of inoculum. The lowest chlamydospore germination was observed with bacterial suspensions of the isolates, for all glucose additions. The results suggested that both Streptomyces spp. isolates were effective at different doses as biocontrol agents against F. moniliforme. Also, there was evidence for at least two mechanisms of biocontrol and that apparently, both isolates showed the same mechanisms of biocontrol action related to production of bioactive compounds and competition for carbon. Further studies will be developed to improve the level and effectiveness of control by these isolates.     

Pathogenicity of Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica on recombinant inbred lines from a crossing of Cucurbita pepo subsp. pepo × C. pepo subsp. ovifera

The response of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from a cross of zucchini × scallop (Cucurbita pepo subsp. pepo ‘Murcia MU-CU-16’ × C. pepo subsp. ovifera ‘Scallop UPV-196’) to Meloidogyne incognita and M. javanica was determined after completion of a nematode reproduction cycle in experiments carried out in a growth chamber. The nematode differentiated the C. pepo genotypes at the subspecies level due to lower egg mass production on subspecies pepo than ovifera, and thus subspecies pepo was a poorer host than ovifera. In addition, Murcia MU-CU-16 discriminated M. incognita from M. javanica in terms of egg masses (EM), eggs per gram of root and reproduction factor (Rf), whereas Scallop UPV-196 did so in eggs per gram of root and Rf. The RILs differed in gall formation and EM production depending on the nematode × line combination. Comparisons between nematode isolates resulted in four significant combinations for pathogenic potential (galls/initial population (Pi) × 100), seven for parasitic success (egg masses/Pi × 100), and nine for host efficiency (egg masses/galls per root system × 100) which included all the lines tested against both isolates. Lines that restricted nematode development by at least 90% were considered as having intermediate resistance to M. incognita based on the definition of the International Seed Federation. They included lines 28-1, 35A, 107A, 110-3 and 153-2. All the RILs were susceptible hosts for M. javanica. The information presented here will be helpful for nematode management and also for plant breeders working on pathogen resistance on C. pepo.     

Structure of populations of wheat powdery mildew (Erysiphe graminis DC f.sp. tritici Marchal) in Central Europe in 1993–1996: I. Dynamics of virulence

In 1993–1996, the virulence of regional populations of the wheat powdery mildew pathogen (Erysiphe graminis DC f. sp. tritici Marchal) from the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary and Slovakia against 13 resistance genes was investigated. The populations differed mainly at the regional level. Populations from the Czech Republic, mainly from the western regions, showed higher values of virulence against the Pm4b gene. Lower frequency of virulence against Pm4b was found in Austria, and the lowest value was observed in Hungary. The differences in frequencies of virulence against Pm4a and Pm4b showed a similar geographic pattern across the four countries: a continuous decline from west to east and from north to south. Virulence against Pm2 decreased in all countries considered; virulence to pm5, Pm6, Pm8 and Mli was high throughout. Genes and gene combinations that can ensure a relatively effective biological protection against this pathogen across Central Europe at present are Pm3b, Pm2+Mld and Pm1+2+9. Czech and Slovak populations were the most complex: virulence complexity reached a maximum in Slovakia in 1994. A similar evolution, though less significant, was observed in the Czech Republic. Data on complexity of isolates suggest that Central European populations of wheat powdery mildew tend to reach an intermediate level representing the optimal number of virulence genes. This process is probably a consequence of stabilizing selection.     

Pest management in fodder cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) through mixed‐and inter‐cropping in India

Abstract

In a study of the effects of inter‐cropping and mixed‐cropping of cowpea and sorghum during the kharif, 1982 and 1983, the incidence of leafhoppers and the damage caused by defoliators were most reduced in a row inter‐crop, less in mixed, within row, farming and least in a pure crop of cowpea. Greater green fodder and dry‐matter yields of cowpea were obtained in inter‐crop between rows and in mixed‐crop, within row farming.     

Impact of arbuscular mycorrhiza on the St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) wilt disease induced by Colletotrichum cf. gloeosporioides

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection - The importance of herbal plants is evident in the prevalent use as flavoring ingredients in food. However, meeting the growing demand for organic grown...     

Pathotype diversification in the invasive PstS2 clonal lineage of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici causing yellow rust on durum and bread wheat in Lebanon and Syria in 2010–2011

Yellow rust is the major wheat disease in central West Asia and North Africa. Recently, severe epidemics have occurred, with major yield losses in 2010–2011 in Lebanon and Syria. We conducted an extensive field survey, with a collection of 273 samples of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, to explore the origin of these epidemics. All samples were genotyped with 20 microsatellite markers, and 54 isolates were pathotyped. The population was dominated by the PstS2 lineage, which has spread worldwide since 2000 and displays considerable pathotype diversity (10 pathotypes). The 22 multilocus genotypes (MLGs) detected corresponded to variants of the clonal lineage PstS2, but they differed from the common PstS2 genotype found in the worldwide study conducted between 1981 and 2010. No strong differentiation was observed between Lebanon and Syria. The dominant MLG in Syria was common to both countries. Nine MLGs were found exclusively in the Syrian population and four were restricted to the Lebanese population, including the dominant MLG in Lebanon. The predominant MLG-11 was found in nine pathotypes, at high frequency. The dominant pathotype in Syria was virulent against widely deployed resistance genes (Yr2, Yr6, Yr7, Yr9, Yr25, and Yr27); virulence against Yr3, Yr8, Yr17, and YrSP occurred at various frequencies, but Yr1, Yr4, Yr5, Yr10, Yr15, and Yr32 were effective against all isolates. No host effect was detected. The presence of diverse host populations consisting of landraces and elite varieties, and diverse climatic conditions may account for the unexpectedly high diversity of this clonal population.     

Histochemical studies on the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (O2− and H2O2) in the incompatible and compatible interaction of wheat—Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici

The generation and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide anion (O₂⁻) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), were studied in the interaction between wheat cv. ‘Suwon 11’ and two races of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (avirulent and virulent). Generation of O₂⁻ and H₂O₂ was analyzed histochemically using nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) and 3,3-diamino-benzidine (DAB), respectively. At the pre-penetration stage during appressorium formation both stripe rust races induced H₂O₂ accumulation in guard cells. In the incompatible interaction, a rapid increase of O₂⁻ and H₂O₂ generation at infection sites was detected. The percentage of infection sites showing NBT and DAB staining was 36.1% and 40.0%, respectively, 12 h after inoculation (hai). At extended incubation time until 24 hai, percentage of infection sites showing H₂O₂ accumulation further increased, whereas those exhibiting O₂⁻ accumulation declined. The early infection stage from 12 to 24 hai coincided with primary haustoria formation in mesophyll cells. In contrast, in the compatible interaction, O₂⁻ and H₂O₂ generation could not be detected in most of the infection sites. In the incompatible interaction, intensive DAB staining was also determined in mesophyll cells, especially in cell walls, surrounding the infected cells 16–24 hai; thereafter, these cells contained fluorescing compounds and underwent hypersensitive response (HR). The number of necrotic host cells surrounding the infection sites increased continuously from 20 to 96 hai. It might be concluded that H₂O₂ accumulation during the early infection stage is associated with the occurrence of hypersensitive cell death and that resistance response is leading to arrest the avirulent race of the obligate stripe rust pathogen. In the compatible interaction at 96 hai, H₂O₂ accumulation was observed in mesophyll cells surrounding the rust lesion.     

Evidence for the involvement of Aphanomyces cochlioides and Pythium spp. in ‘girth scab’ disease of sugar beet in Bavaria

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection - The term ‘girth scab’ describes a chronic disease of sugar beet roots (Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris) for which the causes still remain unclear....     

Virulence structure of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Blumeria graminis</Emphasis> DC.f. sp. <Emphasis Type="Italic">avenae</Emphasis> populations occurring in Poland across 2010–2013

The aim of the present study was to determine the virulence structure of powdery mildew of oats (Blumeria graminis DC.f. sp. avena) in Poland in the years 2010–2013. For this purpose, powdery mildew isolates were collected from three experimental stations in Poland. To assess the virulence of the isolates, eight oat varieties with different responses to the pathogen were used. The results showed that a significant proportion of powdery mildew isolates found in Poland overcame the resistance genes of varieties Bruno (Pm6), Jumbo (Pm1) and Mostyn (Pm3). In contrast, lines Av1860 (Pm4), Am27 (Pm5) and Cc3678 (Pm2) were completely resistant to all pathogen isolates involved in the experiment. Changes constantly occurring in the powdery mildew population perfectly reflect diversity indexes, which were the smallest in the first year of observation, where in the following years these parameters were significantly higher. It is worth noting that the presence of powdery mildew is seasonal and local, which is reflected in the prevalence of the disease in a defined area of the country.     

Current progress in studying blackleg disease (Leptosphaeria maculans and L. biglobosa) of canola in Iran: Where do we stand now?

Blackleg, caused by a complex of Leptosphaeria species (L. maculans and L. biglobosa), is a fungal disease on Brassica species, especially important in canola (Brassica napus). Since the first report of L. biglobosa in Iran in 2007 and L. maculans in 2008, both species are now of major importance in Iran affecting 10 provinces and 30 regions, with a higher prevalence in the northern provinces of Mazandaran and Golestan. Despite the rapid progression of the disease and the emergence of new Leptosphaeria races in Iran, the research into this pathogen has not progressed at the same rate and is limited to phenotypic characterization studies, pathogenicity research, and to a lesser extent, disease management research. Given the rapid increase in canola cultivation in Iran and changes in the genetic diversity of the pathogen populations, it is likely that blackleg disease will increasingly become a severe threat to Iran’s canola production. Therefore, systematic and prospective studies, along with fundamental research on the pathogen's biology, epidemiology, and genetic diversity, would provide critical information for the development of disease management strategies. Here, we review the research that has been carried out to date on blackleg disease in Iran and describe the extent of progress towards disease control, especially in disease-prone regions.     

Dissipation of quinalphos (O,O, diethyl O‐quinaxalin‐2yl phosphorothioate) residues in and/or on cauliflower (Brassica oleracea Var. Botrytis)

Abstract

A field trial was conducted to study the magnitude of quinalphos residues in and/or cauliflower (Brassica oleracea Var Botrytis. The cauliflower crop was sprayed once with quinalphos 25 e.c. at 0.25 and 0.5 kg a.i./ha 104 days after transplanting. The samples of cauliflower drawn at different time intervals were analysed colorimetrically. The initial deposits of quinalphos on cauliflower were found to be 5.79 and 9.52 ppm, an the half life values 1.61 and 2.12 days, respectively, at 0.25 and 0.5 kg a.i./ha. The waiting periods determined were 11 days at the higher and 7 days at the lower dose of quinalphos.     

Effect of pre‐storage seed treatments on adult mortality,oviposition and development of Callosobruchus chinensis L. (Bruchidae: Coleoptera), and the viability of mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) in India

Abstract

The adult mortality of Callosobruchus chinensis L. was 100% within 24 h after artificially infesting seeds pretreated with inert clay and stored for 12 months under ambient conditions. Pre‐treatment with thiram and delsan‐30 (TCMTB) were also effective in controlling the adults by impairing oviposition. The seeds maintained over 80% germination up to 12 months of storage under all the treatments.