β-Aminobutyric acid-mediated enhancement of resistance in tobacco to tobacco mosaic virus depends on the accumulation of salicylic acid

A number of chemical and biological agents are known as inducers of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) to tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) in tobacco plants. In the present study, a local spray application of the non-protein amino acid DL-β-aminobutyric acid (BABA) was effective in enhancing resistance to TMV in tobacco plants containing the N gene. In contrast, the isomer α-aminobutyric acid (AABA) showed a much lower activity whereas γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) was completely inactive, indicating a strong isomer specificity of aminobutyric acid in triggering enhanced virus resistance.Rapid cell death was detected in tobacco leaf tissues after foliar application of BABA, subsequently resulting in the development of macroscopically visible, necrotic lesions. BABA-induced cell death was associated with the rapid generation of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide. As further consequences, the occurrence of lipid peroxidation in treated tissues, a local and systemic increase of salicylic acid (SA) levels and the expression of PR-1a, a molecular marker of SAR in tobacco, could be observed. None of these responses was detectable after treatment with GABA.Enhancement of virus resistance by BABA was found to be strictly dependent on SA-mediated signal transduction since it could not be detected in salicylate hydroxylase (nahG) expressing transgenic tobacco plants. These findings suggest that in tobacco, primary processes triggered by foliar application of BABA, resemble those initiated by microbes during a hypersensitive response (HR) that result in SAR activation.     

Mechanisms of powdery mildew resistance of wheat – a review of molecular breeding

Powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici) results in serious economic loss in wheat production. Exploration of plant resistance to wheat powdery mildew over several decades has led to the discovery of a wealth of resistance genes and quantitative trait loci (QTLs). We have provided a comprehensive summary of over 200 powdery mildew genes (permanently and temporarily designated genes) and QTLs reported in common bread wheat. This highlights the diverse and rich resistance sources that exist across all 21 chromosomes. To manage different data for breeders, here we also present a bridged mapping result from previously reported powdery mildew resistance genes and QTLs with the application of a published integrated wheat map. This will provide important insights to empower further breeding of powdery mildew resistant wheat via marker-assisted selection (MAS).     

Bacterial canker of tomatoes — histological characterization of cultivar resistance and seed transmission

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection - Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (Cmm) causes bacterial canker in tomatoes representing a significant threat to worldwide tomato production....     

Nucleotide Sequence of the 3′ -terminal Region of Carnation vein mottle virus RNA

The 2326 nucleotides of the 3′-terminal region of Carnation vein mottle virus (CVMV) RNA, which included part of the nuclear inclusion b gene, the complete coat protein (CP) gene and the entire 3′-noncoding region (3′-NCR) were determined. The region encoding the CP gene is 843 nucleotides long and the deduced protein consists of 280 amino acids. A search of the EMBL and PIR databases showed that the amino acid sequence of CVMV CP most resembled that of Plum pox virus with a similarity of 67.9%. The 3′-NCR of CVMV RNA is 541 nucleotides long, second longest in the genus Potyvirus. These results indicate that CVMV is closely related to Plum pox virus but is a distinct species in the genus Potyvirus. Received 8 October 1999/ Accepted in revised form 9 January 2000     

Quantification of late blight resistance of potato using transgenic Phytophthora infestans expressing β-glucuronidase

A transgenic Phytophthora infestans strain that constitutively produces and secretes -glucuronidase (GUS) was used in detached leaf assays to quantify the levels of resistance to late blight in potato cultivars Surprise, Irene, Pimpernel, Alpha and Bintje. Four days after inoculation levels of GUS activity were determined in infected leaves. Significant differences between the various cultivars were observed. Discrimination between resistant and susceptible cultivars was possible based solely on levels of GUS activity. Regression analysis revealed a positive correlation between in planta GUS levels and field resistance expressed as Area under Disease Progress Curve (ADPC).     

Vertical transmission of granulosis virus of sugarcane shoot borer,Chilo infuscatellus Snell.†

Abstract

The granulosis virus (GV) of sugarcane shoot borer, Chilo infuscatellus Snelt., was found to be transmitted vertically when the fourth instar larvae were microfed with the virus at a sublethal dose of 1.1 x 10³ inclusion bodies/larva. The virus infection was found to alter the sex ratio in pupae in favour of male (1 : 5.70—♀ : ♂) from the normal 1 : 1 ratio. The per cent pupation and adult emergence were also significantly reduced. No adults emerged from abnormal pupae that lacked pigmentation on the ventral surface of the first abdominal segment. The GV was also found to be transmitted from the infected adult to the offspring through eggs and 50% of the larvae that hatched were found to die due to virosis.     

No detection of seed transmission of citrus tatter leaf virus in ‘Meyer’ lemon

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection - Citrus tatter leaf virus (CTLV), a strain of apple stem grooving virus, is a virus of citrus that is of commercial importance for trifoliate orange...     

What have the mechanisms of resistance to glyphosate taught us?

The intensive use of glyphosate alone to manage weeds has selected populations that are glyphosate resistant. The three mechanisms of glyphosate resistance that have been elucidated are (1) target-site mutations, (2) gene amplification and (3) altered translocation due to sequestration. What have we learned from the selection of these mechanisms, and how can we apply those lessons to future herbicide-resistant crops and new mechanisms of action? First, the diversity of glyphosate resistance mechanisms has helped further our understanding of the mechanism of action of glyphosate and advanced our knowledge of plant physiology. Second, the relatively rapid evolution of glyphosate-resistant weed populations provides further evidence that no herbicide is invulnerable to resistance. Third, as new herbicide-resistant crops are developed and new mechanisms of action are discovered, the weed science community needs to ensure that we apply the lessons we have learned on resistance management from the experience with glyphosate. Every new weed management system must be evaluated during development for its potential to select for resistance, and stewardship programs should be in place when the new program is introduced. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of β-aminobutyric acid on resistance of tomato against Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection - Stem rot of tomato caused by Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (Pcc) results in economic yield loss worldwide. Previous studies have...     

Characterisation of benzimidazole resistance of Cercospora beticola in Serbia using PCR-based detection of resistance-associated mutations of the β-tubulin gene

A survey to detect and characterise benzimidazole resistance within populations of Cercospora beticola in Serbia was performed. From 52 field isolates collected from sugar beet and beet root, only eight were found to be benzimidazole-sensitive based on the inhibition of mycelial growth by discriminatory concentrations of carbendazim and thiophanate-methyl. Sensitivity tests revealed the presence of three resistant phenotypes among the tested isolates: high-resistance (HR), low-resistance (LR) and moderate-resistance (MR). The benzimidazole resistant isolates were characterised based on the DNA sequence of the β-tubulin gene and temperature sensitivity. The HR isolates showed no temperature sensitivity regardless of carbendazim concentration, whereas the LR and MR isolates were sensitive at lower temperatures. Analysis of the β-tubulin gene sequence revealed two amino acid replacements in the benzimidazole-resistant isolates of C. beticola. One was a glutamic acid to alanine change at position 198 (codon GAG to GCG) that was identified in HR isolates; this mutation has previously been reported to be associated with the development of benzimidazole resistance in C. beticola. The second replacement was a novel point mutation of phenylalanine (TTC) to tyrosine (TAC) at position 167, identified in low and moderate benzimidazole-resistant isolates, sharing a single LR/MR β-tubulin genotype. A diagnostic PCR-RFLP assay utilising a BsaI restriction site present in the benzimidazole sensitive and LR/MR genotypes but absent in the HR genotype was developed for the routine detection of high resistance. A mutation-specific PCR assay was developed for the diagnosis of LR/MR genotype based on a mutation from T to A at codon 167, which is unique to this genotype.     

Effect of Cotton leaf curl virus infected plants on the biology of the whitefly,Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae): Vector–virus mutualism

Cotton leaf curl virus (CLCuV) (Geminiviridae : Begomovirus), the causative agent of leaf curl disease in cotton plants (Gossypium hirsutum), is exclusively transmitted by whitefly species Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). CLCuV transmission occurs in Sriganganagar (Rajasthan), an area endemic with cotton leaf curl disease. The relationships between plant viruses, their herbivore vectors and host plants can be beneficial, neutral, or antagonistic, depending on the species involved. To further understand these relationships, fecundity and life history parameters of an indigenous non- b (Asia II genetic group) biotype whitefly, B. tabaci, were compared on 10, 25, and 40 days post-inoculation (DPI), in CLCuV-infected and healthy cotton plants to determine the effect of virus on its vector. The development time of the immature stages of whiteflies was significantly reduced on CLCuV-infected plants. The development time of the immature stages did not change with severity of symptoms at 25 and 40 DPI (45- and 60-d-old plants). Cotton leaf curl virus infection increased percent egg viability of B. tabaci. Whiteflies deposited significantly fewer eggs on virus-infected plants than on healthy plants. Whiteflies had better egg viability on younger plants than older plants, whereas plant age did not affect the fecundity. Male and female whiteflies had shorter longevity on CLCuV-infected plants than on healthy plants.     

Comparison of Pathogenicity and Nucleotide Sequences of 3′-terminal Regions of Bean yellow mosaic virus Isolates from Gladiolus

Sixty-four isolates of Bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV) from cultivated and naturalized gladioli were divided into two pathogenic groups, necrotic spot (NS) and chlorotic spot (CS) groups on Chenopodium quinoa. NS-type isolates (S-22N and E-24N), CS-type isolates (S-22C and E-92C), and broad bean isolates (Sb-50C and Sb-12C) differed in their pathogenicity on Antirrhinum majus, Nicotiana benthamiana, Phaseolus vulgaris, Spinacia oleracea and Vigna unguiculata. The four gladiolus isolates were different from BYMV-B, -P, -O and C1YVV-N in their pathogenicity on these plants, while the two broad bean isolates were similar to BYMV-B, originally from broad bean. The nucleotide (nt) sequences of the 3′-terminal region of the BYMV RNA genome of the two NS-type isolates, the two CS-type isolates, the two broad bean isolates and BYMV-B, -P and -O were determined. In a phylogenetic tree based on the CP amino acid (aa) sequences, the two NS-type isolates clustered together (identity 98.4% and 98.2% at the nt and aa level, respectively). The two CS-type isolates clustered with BYMV-O (93.2 to 99.3% nt identity and 95.6 to 98.5% aa identity). The two broad bean isolates clustered with BYMV-B (99.0 to 99.5% nt identity and 98.9 to 99.6% aa identity). BYMV-P clustered with BYMV-CS (identity 97.7% and 99.3% at the nt and aa level, respectively). The obtained sequences were compared with those of the 3′-terminal regions of seven published BYMV isolates. In a phylogenetic tree based on deduced aa sequences, BYMV isolates were divided into four clusters. Received 1 July 1999/ Accepted in revised form 22 May 2000     

Fungal resistance of Triticum durum — T. monococcum ssp. aegilopoides amphiploid

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection - A Triticum durum — T. monococcum amphiploid (AABBAmAm) was synthesized by chromosome doubling of sterile triploid hybrids obtained between the two...     

Distribution and phylogenetic analysis of the 3′UTR and coat protein gene of Iranian Beet black scorch virus

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection - Beet black scorch virus (BBSV) was surveyed in major sugar beet cultivation areas in Iran in 2008–2013 growing seasons. A total of 148 out of 308...     

Global incidence of wheat rusts and powdery mildew during 1969–2010 and durability of resistance of winter wheat variety Bezostaya 1

Disease incidence and severity was studied for winter wheat variety Bezostaya 1 and susceptible checks based on data from international nurseries from 1969 to 2010 and from 51 countries across major winter wheat production regions totalling 1,047 reports. The frequency of leaf rust and stripe rust occurrence was stable over time with marked increases in severity in 2001–2010 especially in Europe and Central and West Asia. Substantial global reductions in stem rust occurrence were recorded and attributed primarily to use of resistance genes although the recent emergence of race Ug99 makes wheat more vulnerable. The occurrence of powdery mildew remained globally stable over time. It was the most important foliar disease in Western and Southern Europe, where the frequency was very high for all time periods coupled with slight increases in severity during 2001–2010. The durable resistance of variety Bezostaya 1 to all four diseases was demonstrated in the study using comparisons of disease severities of Bezostaya 1 and the most susceptible entries. The Lr34/Yr18/Pm38 pleiotrophic set possessed by Bezostaya 1 is currently an important target for selection because it is now amenable to molecular selection. Increased use of genes like Lr34 combined with strategies to minimize cultivation of extremely susceptible varieties will contribute to long term maintenance of low and non-damaging disease levels. The durable disease resistance of Bezostaya 1, combined with its adaptability and good end-use quality, was a significant reason for its huge impact in agriculture over the last 50?years.     

Occurrence of boscalid resistance in cucumber powdery mildew in Japan and molecular characterization of the iron–sulfur protein of succinate dehydrogenase of the causal fungus

A total of 74 mass isolates of cucumber powdery mildew fungus (Podosphaera xanthii) were collected from commercial greenhouses with a history of boscalid use in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, and tested in a leaf disk assay for their sensitivity to boscalid. The mildew development of 40 of 74 isolates and five sensitive reference isolates on the disks was completely suppressed at 5 μg boscalid/ml. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for the remaining 34 isolates were 50 μg/ml or higher, and 21 of these isolates also grew well at 500 μg/ml. Six single-spore isolates were resistant to boscalid with MIC values higher than 500 μg/ml; four of these were moderately resistant (MR), and two were very highly resistant (VHR) isolates. The growth of MR isolates was almost completely suppressed at 500 μg/ml, whereas two VHR isolates grew vigorously at 500 μg/ml. In foliar inoculation tests of potted cucumber plants, the efficacy of boscalid (500 μg/ml) against both MR and VHR isolates was very low. Partial DNA fragment of the iron–sulphur protein subunit (SdhB) gene of succinate dehydrogenase was PCR-amplified from five sensitive and five resistant isolates and directly sequenced, revealing that VHR isolates possess a substitution from a highly conserved histidine (CAT) to tyrosine (TAT) in a third cysteine-rich center of a putative SdhB, whereas MR isolates so far have not been found to have such substitution in SdhB.     

Pea early-browning virus and tobacco rattle virus — two different,but serologically related viruses

Summary Early-browning virus (EBV) and tobacco rattle virus (RV) show similarities in many of their properties, although there are also some distinct differences (Bos & van der Want, 1962). Serological experiments carried out by the present author showed that EBV and RV are distantly related. Because of the difference in the normal lengths of their particles they have to be considered as separate viruses. It is suggested that they be regarded as members of one group.Samenvatting Vroege verbruining, een virusziekte bij erwten, is uitvoerig onderzocht doorBos & van der Want (1962). Uit hun onderzoek is gebleken dat de verwekker van deze ziekte, het vroege-verbruiningsvirus (EBV), veel overeenkomst vertoont met het ratelvirus van tabak (RV). Beide virussen hebben dezelfde deeltjesvorm, maar ze verschillen in lengte (EBV 105 en 210 m en RV 70 en 180 m). Beide gaan met de grond over en komen overeen wat betreft hun eigenschappenin vitro. Ook wat hun uitwerking op waardplanten betreft lijken ze, met uitzondering van enkele karakteristieke verschillen, veel op elkaar. Het duidelijke verschil in deeltjeslengte geeft aan, dat er verschillende virussen in het spel zijn. Het leek echter niet uitgesloten, dat ze toch in zekere mate verwant zouden zijn. Om deze mogelijkheid na te gaan werd uitvoerig serologisch onderzoek verricht. Met behulp van antisera met titers van ca. 1/128 kon geen verwantschap worden aangetoond (tabel 1). Daarom werden sterkere antisera bereid. Hiertoe werden EBV en RV vermeerderd opNicotiana rustica L. en gezuiverd volgens een enigszins gewijzigde methode vanWetter (1960).Door het toepassen van een combinatie van intraveneuze en intramusculaire injecties werden zeer sterke antisera verkregen. Met behulp daarvan werden beide virussen opnieuw getoetst. Als controle diende aardappel-X-virus (PVX), dat op dezelfde wijze was vermeerderd en gezuiverd als het EBV en het RV. De resultaten van deze proef zijn vermeld in tabel 2. Daar er nog een zwakke reactie met de controle optrad, werden de antisera verzadigd en werd de proef herhaald. De resultaten hiervan zijn weergegeven in tabel 3. Met de controle trad toen geen reactie meer op, terwijl EBV en RV nog duidelijk met elkaars antisera reageerden. Daar zowel een wederzijdse besmetting van EBV en RV als een gemeenschappelijke besmetting met een ander virus was uitgesloten, kunnen we concluderen, dat EBV en RV verwante virussen zijn. Naar analogie van wat door Duitse onderzoekers voor andere virussen is gevonden, kunnen we ook hier spreken van afzonderlijke virussen, die waarschijnlijk in eenzelfde groep ondergebracht kunnen worden.In het algemeen zijn in de tabellen slechts die antigeenverdunningen weergegeven, waarbij een maximale antiserumtiter werd gevonden. Wanneer geen bepaalde verdunning is aangegeven, betekent dit dat geen enkele verdunning reageerde.     

Identification of ‘Ca. Phytoplasma asteris’, banana bunchy top virus and banana streak MY virus associated with Champa and Sabri banana cultivars in Tripura,a North Eastern state of India

European Journal of Plant Pathology - Symptoms of bunchy top, little leaf, leaf chlorosis with chlorotic streaks, leaf necrosis and stunted growth were noticed in two banana cultivars, Champa and...