Chemical and structural barriers to Microcyclus ulei,the agent of South American leaf blight,in Hevea spp.

Young leaves of different rubber-tree clones were inoculated with Microcyclus ulei under controlled conditions. Under ultraviolet light, intense blue fluorescent light was emitted from the penetration site 6 h after inoculation. The speed of the appearance of this fluorescence was related to the degree of resistance of the clones: 12–36 h in totally resistant clones, 36–120 h in marked partially resistant clones, and 120 h in weak partially resistant clones. The source of this fluorescence may have been scopoletin. Strong accumulation of this coumarin may inhibit pathogen invasion in a very early phase. Four days after inoculation, intense accumulation of lignins in only a few cells at the penetration sites was observed in totally resistant clones. Intense lignin accumulation around lesions may also stop pathogen development in some partially resistant clones     

Rust resistance in Salix induced by inoculations with avirulent and virulent isolates of Melampsora larici‐epitea

Six Salix clones and four Melampsora larici‐epitea isolates were used in two leaf‐disc inoculation experiments to determine whether disease severity was affected by the presence of both virulent and avirulent rust genotypes. In the first experiment, an equal amount of urediniospores of a virulent isolate and an avirulent isolate was applied simultaneously using four levels of spore suspension. In the second, the willows were inoculated with one isolate first and then, after 3 days, with another using two spore concentrations. In the first experiment, overall rust spore production was reduced by 48.6% in inoculations with mixed inocula compared with that in the inoculations with single virulent isolates. In the second experiment, 20 of the 36 combinations involving pre‐inoculations with avirulent isolates showed significant reduction in spore production. The suppressive effects on rust sporulation were more obvious at the higher inoculum densities and on the clones S. × calodendron and S. × mollissima‘Q83’.     

Anatomical and histochemical defence responses induced in juvenile leaves of Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus nitens by Mycosphaerella infection

The responses of juvenile leaves of two Eucalyptus species, with contrasting susceptibility to infection by Mycosphaerella leaf disease, were compared. The anatomical changes, accumulation of phenolics, suberin, lignin and anthocyanin and the retention of chlorophyll were studied in leaf lesions of varying developmental stages caused by species of Mycosphaerella. Enhanced resistance of Eucalyptus nitens in southern Australia was attributed to the formation of an effective lignified and suberized necrophylactic periderm, to restrict pathogen spread. Leaves of E. nitens contained isobilateral palisade which resulted in both abaxial and adaxial cell division and the initiation of a strong reinforced cellular zone from an early lesion stage. Eucalyptus globulus formed a slower, distorted necrophylactic periderm through hypertrophic changes to existing mesophyll and limited cell divisions of the single adaxial palisade layer. Deposits of lignin and suberin did not occur until later in lesion development, which were not effective in preventing further disease development. From this study it is hypothesized that tolerance of eucalypts to Mycosphaerella pathogens may be associated with constitutive mesophyll density.     

In vitro and in vivo germination of spores of Marssonina brunnea (Ell. et Ev.) P. Magn

A water soluble inhibitor of germination is present on the surfaces of freshly collected spores of Marssonina brunnea (Ell et Ev.) P. Magn. Spores of this pathogen have a high potential for germination even in the absence of external substrates. Among the poplar clones examined there was no correlation between spore germination on leaf discs and the disease reaction of the discs under controlled conditions. However under these conditions the disease development on leaf discs taken from clone I-69/55 was correlated with the high resistance of this clone to Marssonina leaf spot in the field.     

Individual resistance of Fraxinus angustifolia clones to ash dieback

The presumed resistance of individual ash trees to ash dieback caused by invasive pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus is an important issue for the maintenance of ash in European forests. All known studies regarding the resistance of ash trees to ash dieback were conducted in plantations and stands of F. excelsior; however, no such data exist for F. angustifolia. Crown damage assessments were performed over four consecutive years between 2009 and 2012 at a F. angustifolia clonal plantation in Hra??ica, Slovenia. Inoculation of H. fraxineus into the branches of the most and least damaged clones of F. angustifolia and leaf phenology assessments was performed to verify the presence of defence mechanisms that limit fungal growth or promote disease escape. Additionally, root collars of selected clones were inspected for fungal infections. The crown damage assessments showed considerable differences among F. angustifolia clones, indicating genetic variability in susceptibility to ash dieback. Crown dieback progressed significantly over the 4‐year time period; the mean crown damage of individual clones in 2012 varied between 16.7% and 83.8%. Significant differences among F. angustifolia clones were found in the inoculation trials and leaf phenology assessments. However, defence mechanisms such as early leaf flushing, early leaf shedding and the ability to inhibit pathogen growth in host tissues were not confirmed. High frequency of Armillaria spp. and H. fraxineus root collar infection demonstrated the need for whole tree inspection to determine causal agent of damages on individual ash trees. Armillaria spp. may be highly associated with ash decline epidemiology.     

Influence of clonal susceptibility,leaf age and inoculum density on infections by Melampsora larici-populina races E1 and E3

A study was conducted on the influence of clonal susceptibility, leaf age and inoculum density on the incubation and presporulation periods, and on the intensity of attack of Melampsora larici-populina races El and E3, under controlled conditions, on artificially inoculated poplar leaf discs. Both races were more virulent on susceptible clones and on 5- to 15-day-old leaves. On susceptible clones the intensity of attack increased progressively with the increase of inoculum density. Where there was complete coverage of the leaf surface, uredia were smaller in size as a result of the increase in density. The incubation period and, above all, the average presporulation period of susceptible clones proved to be longer with 1- to 3-day-old leaves and, generally, with the oldest. The epidemiological consequences of these results are discussed.     

Decomposition and nutrient release patterns of Phyllostachys bambusoides and Arundinaria racemosa, India

We investigated decomposition and nutrient release patterns of leaf and sheath litter of two important highland bamboo species (viz. Phyllostachys bambusoides Sieb. (Zucc.) and Arundinaria racemosa Munro) by using a litter bag technique. Our objective was to improve understanding of the addition of organic matter and nutrients to soil from the litter of two abundant highland bamboo species, species that support the local population of the region in many ways. N concentration and N/P ratio were significantly higher (p<0.01) in leaf litter of P. bambusoides. Significantly, larger values of lignin concentration, C/N ratio, and lignin/N ratio were found in the sheath litter of A racemosa. Weight loss of both leaf and sheath litter was strongly positively correlated with N and N/P ratio, and significantly negatively correlated (p<0.01) with C/N ratio. Lignin/N had a negative correlation with decay rate. In both species, only lignin concentration of the litter showed strong positive correlation with N release. Litter decomposition and N release patterns were similar for the two bamboo species, whereas, P release rate from leaf litter was higher in P. bambusoides and differed significantly between sheath and leaf litter for both species. The complex pattern of nutrient release through mineralization and immobilization during litter decomposition ensures nutrient availability in both managed and natural bamboo stands subjected to anthropogenic disturbances.     

Interactions between Melamspora larici‐epitea pathotypes and the mycoparasite Sphaerellopsis filum from willow rusts

Five pathotypes of the willow rust Melamspora larici‐epitea were inoculated with 12 isolates of Sphaerellopsis filum derived from Melampsora species/forms occurring on willows. On average, 20.5% uredinial pustules produced S. filum pycnidia and rust spore production was reduced by 38.4% on leaf discs inoculated with S. filum. Some rust isolates were more readily infected by S. filum than others while some S. filum isolates caused higher levels of infections than other S. filum isolates. In general, the suppressive effects of these S. filum isolates on rust spore production were similar on the majority of rust pathotypes tested. There appeared to be a positive link between the rust pustule area and the rate of infection by S. filum. Sphaerellopsis filum inoculum densities were positively correlated with the reduction in rust spore production but not with the number of rust pustules. Implications from the results were discussed in relation to the deployment of S. filum in biological control of willow rust in willow mixture plantations which harbour more diverse rust pathotypes compared with monocultures.     

Recovery of canopy trees and root collar sprout growth in response to changes in the condition of the parent tree after a fire in a cool-temperate forest

The relationship between the recovery of canopy trees after fire and root collar sprout dynamics was investigated during 1998–2000 in a secondary cool-temperate broad-leaved forest consisting of Quercus mongolica var. grosseserrata and Betula platyphylla var. japonica trees, in northern Hokkaido, Japan, which burned in April 1998. All of the Betula trees that were severely damaged, two-thirds of those slightly damaged, and half of those intact in 1998, died within three growing seasons after the fire. By contrast, half of the Quercus trees that were slightly damaged and half of those severely damaged recovered their foliage, and no slightly damaged or intact trees died during the three growing seasons after the fire. Many Betula trees developed several fruiting bodies of wood-destroying fungi on their stems, irrespective of damage severity. Fungi also infected some of the surviving Quercus, although the crowns tended to recover. Although many sprouting Betula were observed in 1998, the number of sprouts declined rapidly over the study period. Multiple regression analyses showed that the survival and growth of Betula sprouts were positively influenced by the number of sprouts in 1998, damage severity in 1998, and the degree of recover or decline during the study period, and were negatively influenced by parent tree size. On the other hand, a few sprouts of Quercus remained alive. Quercus remained dominant and the dominance of Betula was rapidly reduced after the fire. However, many Betula sprouts remained alive. Stand structure will change drastically for the time being.     

Effects of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ips typographus</Emphasis> (L.) damage on litter quality and decomposition rates of Oriental Spruce [<Emphasis Type="Italic">Picea Orientalis</Emphasis> (L.) Link.] in Hatila Valley National Park,Turkey

This study investigated the effects of Ips typographus (L.) damage on initial litter quality parameters and subsequent decomposition rates of oriental spruce tree species [Picea orientalis (L.) Link]. The needle litter was collected from highly damaged, moderately damaged and control stands on two aspects (north and south) and two slope position (top and bottom) on each aspect. The litter was analyzed for initial total carbon, lignin and nutrient (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and manganese) concentrations. The variability in nitrogen and calcium concentrations and ratios of C:N, lignin:N and lignin:Ca was significantly affected by the insect damaged levels. While nitrogen concentrations in needle litter increased with increasing insect damage (and consequently the ratios of C:N and lignin:N decreased), calcium concentrations decreased (and consequently the ratio of lignin:Ca increased). Aspect and slope positions explained most of the variability in carbon, lignin, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and manganese concentrations and lignin:P ratio between all studied stands. Litter decomposition was studied in the field using the litterbag technique. The litter from highly damaged stands showed highest decomposition rates followed by moderately damaged and control stands. The mass loss rates were significantly positively correlated with initial nitrogen concentration and negatively with C:N and lignin:N ratios. The effects of microclimate resulting from canopy damage on litter decomposition was also examined at the same time using standard litter with the same litter quality parameters, but they showed no significant differences among the insect damage levels indicating that alteration of the litter quality parameters produced by I. typographus damage played a more important role than altered microclimate in controlling needle litter decomposition rates. However, changes in microclimate factors due to topography influenced decomposition rates.     

Stomatal characteristics of Eucalyptus grandis clonal hybrids in response to water stress

This study describes the stomatal response occurring during water stress and subsequent recovery of three Eucalyptus grandis clonal hybrids. The aim was to investigate the degree to which stomatal conductance (g _s) and stomatal density differ between the clonal hybrids across seasons and in response to water stress. Plants from one E. grandis × E. camaldulensis (GC) and two E. grandis × E. urophylla (GU1 and GU2) clones were grown for 18 months in 80 l planting bags. Plants were subjected to three watering treatments: control (100% field capacity), chronic water stress (maintained at 15% of field capacity) and acute water stress (cyclic water stress, where water was withheld until leaf wilting point, and a subsequent period of recovery followed). Stomatal conductance was measured after 6, 12 and 18 months growth. At 12 months of age, the recovery of g _s 1, 2 and 7 d after rewatering (following acute water stress) was further investigated. The GC hybrid showed consistently higher g _s than the GU clones at each measurement period. Stomatal conductance was 24–66% higher during winter (after 12 months growth) than during summer. The recovery of stomatal conductance from acute water stress was more rapid in the GC clone than the GU clones. Chronic water stress was shown to decrease g _s in GU clones by up to 70%, but not in the GC clone. Water stress did not affect stomatal density or size. Remarkably, stomata were absent from the adaxial leaf surface of clone GU1 leaves, but not from the leaves of the other E. urophylla hybrid cross (GU2). Total biomass of the GC clone was significantly greater at 9 months growth, but after 18 months growth the GU1 clone had attained greater biomass accumulation (although not significantly). Measurement of g _s, transpiration, stomatal density and total biomass in the GU1 clone indicated stomatal sensitivity to water stress, a favourable trait during periods of drought. The differing growth strategies of the GU and GC clones could be partially explained by their differences in stomatal sensitivity in response to water stress.     

Physiological responses of Eucalyptus spp. hybrids to infection by Ceratocystis fimbriata

In Brazil, the selection and planting of eucalyptus clones resistant to Ceratocystis fimbriata is the pre‐eminent control strategy for the wilt pathogen. However, little is known about host defence responses associated with resistance of eucalyptus to C. fimbriata infection. In this work, enzymatic activity, sugars, lignin, total phenols and phenolic compounds involved in the defence response of eucalyptus clones resistant (RC) and susceptible (SC) to the Ceratocystis wilt were evaluated. Changes were detected in the sugars produced by RC clones, with higher concentrations occurring compared with SC. A similar response occurred with lignin content at 28 days after inoculation (dai) in RC plants. SC plants had an increase in polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activities at 7 dai. In contrast, RC plants demonstrated high activity of the same enzymes at 2 and 4 dai, decreasing afterwards. There was no difference in phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase activity between resistant and susceptible clones. Hydroxycinnamic acid concentration was higher in RC than in SC; however, there was no difference between RC and SC in flavonoid concentrations. RC had high concentrations catechin, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid. Histochemical tests demonstrated the presence of phenolic compounds and lignin, at higher intensities, in xylem of RC plants. Inoculation with C. fimbriata induced defence responses in both resistant and susceptible eucalyptus clones, but both the intensity and speed of the responses were higher in RC. Alterations in the concentrations of sugars and lignin, as well as certain enzymes and phenolic compounds, could be used to predict the relative susceptibilities to Ceratocystis wilt of different phenotypes of eucalyptus clones.     

史密斯桉无性系桉叶出油率及成分分析

本文对7个史密斯桉无性系桉叶的出油率进行了测定,对其精油成份进行了分析。结果表明：在7个史密斯桉无性系中,出油率在3．0％以上的有17号、2号、8号,出油率分别达到3．67％、3．61％、3．20％,出油率分别超过史密斯桉实生苗91．43％、88．62％、67．39％,分别超过蓝桉实生苗131．97％、128．18％、102．29％,具有较高的精油得率;精油成份分析表明：在7个史密斯桉无性系中1,8-枝叶素含量在80％以上的有4号、8号、7号、1号无性系,分别为82．85％、80.31％、80．26％、80．05％;以1,8-桉叶素产量为首选指标的综合分析表明,出油率是1,8-桉叶素产量的关键因素,出油率与1,8-桉叶素产量呈正相关。     

Effect of Betula pendula clone and leaf age on Melampsoridium betulinum rust infection in a field trial

Ten 5‐year‐old Betula pendula clones were studied for their rust resistance in the field. The trees were treated by inoculating 10 leaves on a shoot with Melampsoridium betulinum urediniospore suspension or spraying the control leaves with water. The birch clones differed significantly in their resistance to M. betulinum leaf rust fungus and the clones also varied in their responses to the local rust strain and the inoculated rust strains. However, natural rust infections and inoculation treatment were positively correlated. The older leaves had fewer infections than the younger ones on the tip of the shoot in the control trees, but in the inoculation treatment no significant correlation was found between the leaf ages and rust infection. The factors behind the different leaf susceptibilities are discussed.     

Water deficits are more important in delaying growth than in changing patterns of carbon allocation in Eucalyptus globulus

Potted cuttings of three Eucalyptus globulus Labill. clones (AR3, CN44, MP11) were either well watered or subjected to one of two soil water deficit regimes for six months in a greenhouse. Reductions in lateral branching, leaf production and leaf expansion were the leading contributors to the large differences observed in biomass production between well-watered and water-stressed plants. Although no significant differences among clones were observed in dry matter accumulation or in the magnitude of the response to soil water deficits, sensitivity of lateral branching, leaf initiation and whole-plant foliage to water stress was significantly lower in CN44 than in AR3 and MP11. When the confounding effect of differences in plant size resulting from the different watering regimes was removed, allometric analysis indicated that the genotypes differed in biomass allocation patterns. In addition to a drought-induced reduction in leaf number, water deficits also resulted in smaller leaves because leaf expansion was inhibited during dehydration events. Resumption of leaf expansion following stress relief occurred in all of the clones, but was particularly evident in severely stressed plants of Clone AR3, possibly as a result of the osmotic adjustment observed in this genotype.     

北方型美洲黑杨不同无性系重要性状评价

[目的]为杨树高产低耗高效工业用材新品种选育筛选新种质。[方法]采用布雷金多性状综合评定法和模糊数学隶属函数值法,系统分析和评价北方型美洲黑杨种质生长及光、水分、养分等关键环境资源利用性状。[结果]表明:(1)种源间、种源内无性系间在生长、光合、水分和养分利用方面的差异显著或极显著。(2)总叶面积、成叶速率、暗呼吸速率、氮素转移率、生长旺期水分利用效率与北方型美洲黑杨胸径显著或极显著相关。(3)筛选出M6、Q1、Q5、M5、Q7、Q3、M3、Q9等高产型种质,M6、Q1、Q2、M5、Q5、M3、Q4、M2等高产高光效型种质,Q5、Q1、W9、M5、Q7、M6、M3、W2等高产高水分利用型种质,Q9、Q5、Q3、Q8、Q1、M10、Q7、I5高产高养分利用型种质。其中,Q5、M6、Q1、Q2、Q9等无性系兼具生长和对资源(光、水分和养分)的利用优势。[结论]北方型美洲黑杨遗传变异丰富,为优良种源和种质选择提供了依据;总叶面积、成叶速率、、暗呼吸速率、氮素转移率等5个与生长关系密切的指标可作为种质资源评价的可靠指标;筛选出的优良种质特别是综合表现最优的5个无性系是后续育种工作的有效资源。     

Effect of sweetpotato whitefly, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bemisia tabaci</Emphasis> (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) infestation on eggplant (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Solanum melongena</Emphasis> L.) leaf

The nature of damage of sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) B biotype was investigated at the vegetative stage on eggplant (Solanum melongena L., family Solanasae, variety Baiyu) under laboratory conditions (temperature 25 ± 1°C, RH 70 ± 10% and photoperiod 12 h L:12 h D). The investigations were carried out after completing one generation of whitefly on the basis of morphology, physiology and anatomy of eggplant leaf. Significant differences were observed on three morphological parameters—leaf area, leaf fresh weight, and leaf dry weight. The reduction percentages of these three parameters were 26.6, 21.8 and 19.27%, respectively. Significant differences were also observed on two physiological parameters—chlorophyll content and rate of photosynthesis. The reduction percentages of these two parameters were 9.7 and 65.9%, respectively. There were no damaged tissue observed in the epidermis and mesophyll, but there were some damage tissue observed in the vascular bundle of infested leaf. There were no damaged vascular bundles observed in the control leaves. The non-damaged vascular bundles contained both xylem and phloem; while some damaged vascular bundles contained either xylem or phloem. Associated with the non-damaged vascular bundles on whitefly infested leaves were two settled whitefly nymphs apparently deriving nutrition from phloem sap. After one generation of whitefly infestation, the number of damaged and non-damaged vascular bundles of eggplant leaf was significantly different.     

Abscisic acid accumulation in leaves of two contrasting hybrid poplar clones affected by nitrogen fertilization plus cyclic flooding and soil drying

Cuttings of hybrid Populus clones Tristis and Eugenei growing in pots in a greenhouse were treated with nitrogen fertilizer at two rates and subjected to repeated soil flooding or drying. Periodically, gas exchange measurements and radioimmunoassays, to determine abscisic acid (ABA) concentrations, were made on recently mature leaves.In both clones, photosynthesis and stomatal conductance were depressed five days after flooding, but leaf ABA concentrations remained relatively constant. In contrast, an initial, 9-day period of soil drying resulted in substantial ABA accumulation in leaves, which closely correlated with declines in photosynthesis and conductance. A second soil drying cycle of up to 9 days was less effective in modifying gas exchange and leaf ABA concentrations. High-N supply stimulated leaf ABA production as the soil dried. On the resumption of watering, gas exchange in Tristis recovered fully and rapidly and leaf ABA concentrations quickly returned to control values, whereas gas exchange in Eugenei recovered slowly and leaf ABA concentrations remained high for longer.Gas exchange in Eugenei was unaffected by soil drying until leaf ABA concentrations exceeded 100 ng g(dw) (-1), whereas Tristis showed a reduction in stomatal conductance and photosynthesis at leaf ABA concentrations of only 10 ng g(dw) (-1). A rise in internal CO(2) concentrations was associated with increased leaf ABA concentrations in Tristis, but not in Eugenei. Clonal differences in the relationship between gas exchange and leaf ABA concentration suggest contrasting physiological strategies for survival under prolonged drying conditions.     

Differential effects of nutrient availability on the secondary metabolism of Austrian pine (Pinus nigra) phloem and resistance to Diplodia pinea

Nutrient availability can modulate the incidence and severity of plant diseases. We examined the effects of fertility on (i) host resistance and (ii) secondary metabolite production in the Pinus nigra Arnold –Diplodia pinea (Desm.) Kickx pathosystem. Following preconditioning of trees to one of three fertility levels for one growing season, phloem tissue of one branch was harvested for chemical analyses while another branch on the same whorl was inoculated with the fungus to assess resistance. Nutrient availability had concave and convex quadratic effects on concentrations of total monoterpenes and total phenolics respectively, but had no effect on fungal lesion lengths. Lesion lengths were negatively correlated with lignin, suggesting that this compound is an important factor in resistance. Counteracting effects of nutrient availability on phenolic and terpenoid pathways may explain why fertility had no effect on expression of disease resistance.     

Ovipositional preference and larval performance of poplar defoliator, Clostera restitura on different poplar clones in north-western India

We evaluated ten poplar clones (G-3, G-48, L-50/88, L-154/84, L-156/89, S7C8, S7C15,WSL-22, WSL-29 and Uday) for ovipositional preference and larval performance of Clostera restitura. Female moths did not show any preference with respect to clones for oviposition. Significant differences were observed for number of eggs laidon different plant parts. C. restitura laid eggs in clusters, preferably onupper surface of leaf and size of the egg cluster varied from 15 to 167eggs. Clones varied for their relative resistance and susceptibility to C.restitura. L-50/88; L-156/89 were identified as most resistant clone basedon minimum leaf consumption, whereas S7C15 was found to be most susceptible clone to C. restitura. In multiple choice experiments, no feeding preference by C. restitura larvae was detected amongst different poplar clones. After initial settlement of larvae on a particular clone, thelarvae remained confined to that clone and negligible inter-clonal movement was noticed subsequently. The fresh pupal weight was correlated negatively (r = 0.37) with percentage surface leaf area eaten and positively (r = 0.47) with length of larval period, measured on different clones. Relationship between percentage leaf area eaten and length of larval period was negative (r = 0.23). Owing to relative resistance of L-50/88 and L-156/89 against C. restitura, these clones can be recommended for plantation in defoliator prone areas in north-western India.