Sclerotium rolfsii on Alstroemeria in Alberta, Canada

Sclerotium rolfsii was isolated from diseased rhizomes of greenhouse–grown Alstroemeria ( Alstroemeria sp.) in Edmonton in 1992. The underground portions of the plants were attacked resulting in leaf chlorosis which started on the lower leaves and gradually moved upwards. The characteristics of the isolates from diseased Alstroemeria were compared with those from other crops. This is the first report of S. rolfsii on Alstroemeria in Canada.     

Properties and inhibition of Sclerotium rolfsii chitin synthetase

A chitin synthetase (CS) preparation was obtained from mycelium of the plant pathogen Sclerotium rolfsii and partially characterised. The CS activity was stimulated by N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and magnesium cations with an optimum temperature of 30°C and an optimum pH of 6.4. The enzyme required proteolytic activation and so apparently existed in a zymogenic form. The fungal CS was strongly inhibited by the nucleoside-peptide antibiotics polyoxin-D and nikkomycin, and weakly inhibited by the terpenoyl benzimidazole, 1-geranyl-2-methylbenzimidazole. It was insensitive to captan and to insecticidal benzoylphenyl ureas. Disrupted chitin formation caused by polyoxin-D showed as swollen hyphae containing numerous depressions. The antibiotic also reduced formation of sclerotia and the few that did form were large, irregular in shape and light coloured.     

Effect of Gliocladium and Trichoderma on damping-off and blight of snapbean caused by Sclerotium rolfsii in the greenhouse

Aqueous suspensions of conidia of 285 wild-type strains and mutants of Gliocladium virens, Trichoderma hamatum, T. harzianum and T. viride were tested against Sclerotium rolfsii in the greenhouse. Ten strains of G. virens and four strains of T. harzianum suppressed damping-off of snapbean by 30-50% and blight by 36-74%. All strains of T. hamatum and T. viride tested as conidia were ineffective. In general, strains of G. virens were more effective in suppressing disease in the greenhouse than strains of T. harzianum. Several strains of G. virens and T. harzianum used alone were equal to or more effective than double and triple mixtures of such strains in disease suppression. Of four formulations of G. virens tested, germlings, alginate-bran-fermenter biomass pellets, and Pyrax-fermenter biomass mixtures reduced disease considerably and all three formulations were more effective than conidia in aqueous suspension. Strain G1-3 of G. virens added to soil as Pyrax-fermenter biomass mixtures in amounts to provide colony-forming units ranging from 1 -5 × 10³ to 1 -2 × 10⁴ per g soil provided statistically significant protection of the host at all concentrations. The extent of biological control with strains G1-3 and G1-21 of G. virens also depended on the strain of the pathogen used. Both strains effectively suppressed disease caused by strain Sr-1 (small sclerotia) of S. rolfsii. They were partially effective against strain Sr-116 (medium size sclerotia) and ineffective against strain Sr-3 (large sclerotia). Although strains G1-3 and G1-21 colonized the sclerotia of all three strains of S. rolfsii in soil effectively, they only reduced germinability of sclerotia of strain Sr-1.     

苹果白绢病防治药剂的筛选及使用方法

白绢病是苹果苗期和幼树期的重要病害,可导致死树和死苗。为了筛选有效的杀菌剂,提供有效的病害防控技术,通过花盆土壤施药、撒施药土等方法测试了9种杀菌剂和生石灰对白绢病菌的抑制效果。结果表明,95%甲基立枯磷TC和99%噁霉灵TC两种药剂能有效抑制白绢病菌的生长和菌核的形成,抑制率在80%以上;25 g/L咯菌腈FSC和45%抑菌脲SC对白绢病菌的生长和菌核形成也有抑制效果,但其抑制率不足50%。9种杀菌剂都不能杀死菌核中的病菌。生石灰能有效抑制白绢病菌生长扩展,其抑菌范围超过5 cm,但不能抑制病菌形成菌核。将生石灰撒于根围或土表,或混入育苗基质、锯末或土壤中,可预防苹果苗期和幼树期的白绢病。甲基立枯磷和噁霉灵可用于苗木消毒、浇施、地面喷雾或随滴灌使用。     

Effect of atrazine on growth, production of aflatoxin, and fatty acid and sterol biosynthesis by Aspergillus spp.

The effects of atrazine were studied on growth, production of aflatoxin, and fatty acid and sterol biosynthesis by four isolates of Aspergillus in vitro. There was little effect of atrazine on Aspergillus spp. at concentrations up to 20 μg ml^?1 but at 40 μg ml^?1 or above, growth, production of aflatoxin, and fatty acid and sterol biosynthesis were remarkably reduced. Palmitic, stearic and linoleic acid synthesis were inhibited in three of the isolates tested at 60 μg ml^?1. At 100 μg ml^?1, except ergosterol, the cholesterol and 5, 7-ergostadienol synthesis was totally inhibited in all isolates. Effet de l'atrazine sur la croissance, la production d'aflatoxine, et la biosynthèse d'acides gras et de stérols par Aspergillus spp. Chez quatre isolats d'Aspergillus, les effets de l'atrazine sur la croissance, la production d'aflatoxine, et la biosynthèse d'acides gras et de stérols ont étéétudiés in vitro. Jusqu'à des concentrations de 20 μg ml^?1, l'atrazine n'a eu que peu d'effets, mais à 40 μg ml^?1 et au-dessus, la croissance, la production d'aflatoxine, et la biosynthèse d'acides gras et de stérols ont été nettement réduites. Les synthèses d'acides palmitique, stéarique et linoléique ont été inhibées chez trois des isolats, à 60 μg ml^?1. A 100 μg ml^?1, mis à part l'ergostérol, les synthèses de cholestérol et de 5, 7-ergostanediol ont été totalement inhibées chez tous les isolats. Die Wirkung von Atrazin aufdas Wachslum, die Bildung von Aflatoxin und die Fettsäuren- und Sterol-Biosynthese von Aspergillus spp. Bei vier Isolaten von Aspergillus wurde in vitro die Wirkung auf das Wachstum sowie auf die Bildung von Aflatoxin, Fettsäuren und Sterolen untersucht. Bei Atrazin-Konzentrationen bis zu 20 μg ml^?1 war keine Wirkung zu beobachten, aber ab 40 μg ml^?1 wurden das Wachstum und die Bildung von Aflatoxin, Fettsäuren und Sterolen deutlich herabgesetzt. Bei 60 μg ml^?1 war bei drei Isolaten die Bildung von Palmitin-, Stearin- und Linolensäure gehemmt. Bei 100 μg ml^?1 war bei alien Isolaten die Bildung von Cholesterol und 5, 7-Ergostadienol, aber nicht Ergosterol, unterbunden.     

Effect of aBacillus subtilis isolate on southern blight (Sclerotium rolfsii) and lipid composition of peanut seeds

Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. was the cause of both the spoilage and the reduction in quality of peanut seeds as well as the decrease in quality and quantity of the oil during pathogenesis. The application of a biocontrol agent,Bacillus subtilis, counteracted the negative effect of the seedborne pathogen (S. rolfsii) on the chemical and physical properties of the oil content. Moreover, the changes in fatty acids composition of peanut seed oil have been related to a tolerance mechanism againstS. rolfsii and to the induction of systemic physiological changes which result in greater improvement of oil quality and quantity.     

Biological Control of Sclerotium rolfsii and Verticillium dahliae by Talaromyces flavus Is Mediated by Different Mechanisms

ABSTRACT Ten wild-type strains and two benomyl-resistant mutants of Talaromyces flavus were examined for their ability to secrete the cell wall-degrading enzymes chitinase, beta-1,3-glucanase, and cellulase, to parasitize sclerotia of Sclerotium rolfsii, to reduce bean stem rot caused by S. rolfsii, and to secrete antifungal substance(s) active against Verticillium dahliae. The benomyl-resistant mutant Ben(R)TF1-R6 overproduced extracellular enzymes and exhibited enhanced antagonistic activity against S. rolfsii and V. dahliae compared to the wild-type strains and other mu tants. Correlation analyses between the extracellular enzymatic activities of different isolates of T. flavus and their ability to antagonize S. rolfsii indicated that mycoparasitism by T. flavus and biological control of S rolfsii were related to the chitinase activity of T. flavus. On the other hand, production of antifungal compounds and glucose-oxidase activity may play a role in antagonism of V. dahliae by retardation of germination and hyphal growth and melanization of newly formed microsclerotia.     

Effect of fenpropimorph and imazalil on sterol biosynthesis in penicillium italicum

Fenpropimorph was found to be highly active against Penicillium italicum (EC₅₀ 0.01/μg ml^?1). Conidia of P. italicum, treated with low concentrations of fenpropimorph, swelled in size and showed distorted germ tubes. During the initial stages of mycelial growth, fenpropimorph had little or no effect on the dry weight increase, which became strongly inhibited within 24 h after addition of the toxicant (0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 μg ml^?1). Irregular deposition of β–1,3 and β–1, 4 polysaccharides, probably chitin, was observed after treatment with fenpropimorph or imazalil. Fenpropimorph (0.05 and 0.2 μ ml^?1) caused the accumulation of a major demethyl-sterol that was different from ergosterol. It was identified as ergosta-8, 14, 24(28)-trien-3β-ol by mass, infrared, ultraviolet and proton nuclear magnetic resonance, spectrometric procedures. At both concentrations, the accumulation was already detected after incubation for 2 h. In contrast, imazalil (0.1 μg ml^?1) caused the accumulation of several methyl- and dimethyl-sterols which were tentatively identified as eburicol (24-methylene-24, 25-dihydrolanosterol), 4, 14α-dimethylergosta-8, 24(28)-dien-3-one, 14α-methylergosta-8, 24(28)-dien-3-one and obtusifoliol (4, 14α-dimethylergosta-8, 24(28)-dien-3α-ol). The accumulation of ergosta-8, 14,24(28)-trien-3β-ol indicates inhibition of the Δ¹⁴-reductase in P. italicum in a similar manner to that found previously in Ustilago maydis.     

Efficacy of Different Fungicides against Foot and Root Rots caused by Sclerotium rolfsii of Wheat

Abstract

Twelve fungicides used for seed treatment were evaluated against Sclerotium rolfsii under unsterilised soil conditions. Tritisan. Brassicol and thiram were found to promote best seedling vigour and root development and also to reduce pre- and post-emergence rot. Captan and Ceresan wet reduced total mortality of the seeds and seedlings. Harvesan and Tillex were effective only at the pre-emergence mortality phase and allowed increased seed emergence.     

皱果赤瓟白绢病病原的生物学特征与防治

在对野生珍稀食用植物皱果赤的引种驯化中发现白绢病是皱果赤生长期的主要病害。本文研究了皱果赤白绢病的症状、病原及其生物学特征和发生规律,提出了防治措施。     

Effect of the fungicide pyrifenox on sterol biosynthesis in Ustilago maydis

Pyrifenox, a new pyridine derivative, proved to be an inhibitor of ergosterol biosynthesis, blocking the pathway at the C-14 demethylation step in Ustilago maydis (CD.) Cor da. In treated sporidia the incorporation of [1-¹⁴C]acetic acid into ergosterol and squalene was reduced and the incorporation into sterols which retain the C-14 methyl group, mainly 24-methylenedihydrolanosterol and obtusifoliol, was increased. In addition, treatment with pyrifenox markedly reduced the incorporation into sterol esters. It is possible that the methylated sterols may be unsuitable substrates for the esterification enzyme.     

Genetic Variability Within and Among Mycelial Compatibility Groups of Sclerotium rolfsii in South Africa

ABSTRACT Isolates of Sclerotium rolfsii, the causal organism of stem rot or southern blight of groundnut, can be placed in mycelial compatibility groups (MCGs) based on hyphal interactions between isolates. The aim of this study was to determine whether amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis was a suitable technique to assess genetic variability between isolates and MCGs of S. rolfsii. For preliminary genetic analysis, 10 isolates were selected from each of two MCGs and compared with each other using the restriction enzymes EcoRI and MseI and 4 primer pairs. The number of polymorphisms ranged from 10 to 36 per primer combination, with an average of 22.5. AFLP analysis clearly showed genotypic differences (22%) among MCGs B and C, with a maximum variation of 6.41% between any two isolates per group using four primer pairs. Certain isolates could not be distinguished from each other. A more in-depth study of 10 isolates from MCG B, using 8 additional primer pairs, showed small genetic differences (maximum of 4.2% and minimum of 0.2%) between isolates. These results suggested that DNA could be pooled for comparison of MCGs. Pooled DNA from isolates within groups using 20 primer pairs confirmed differences between 9 MCGs. This technique effectively differentiated MCGs of S. rolfsii from each other and also detected differences between isolates within a single MCG.     

Induction of resistance to Sclerotium rolfsii in different varieties of onion by inoculation with Trichoderma asperellum

We evaluated the ability of Trichoderma asperellum Samuels, Lieckfeldt & Nirenberg to induce resistance to the fungal plant pathogen, Sclerotium rolfsii Saccardo, in three onion (Allium cepa L.) varieties. Both the severity of disease and the activities of glucanase, chitinase and peroxidase (enzymes involved in plant resistance) were evaluated in onions inoculated with T. asperellum alone, S. rolfsii alone, or both T. asperellum and S. rolfsii (dual-inoculation) and compared to uninoculated (control) plants. In dual inoculations, the presence of T. asperellum reduced the severity of disease symptoms caused by S. rolfsii. Inoculation with T. asperellum alone increased glucanase, chitinase and peroxidase activity in bulbs, roots and leaves of all three onion varieties compared to uninoculated controls; bulbs of the variety Red Satan (RS) had the highest enzyme activity. In plants inoculated with S. rolfsii alone, enzyme activity was only increased in bulbs and roots compared to uninoculated controls. The highest levels of enzyme activity also occurred only in bulbs and roots of plants that had been dual-inoculated with T. asperellum and S. rolfsii. Plants of the RS variety showed the highest enzyme activities (both constitutive and induced) and showed the lowest severity of disease. Therefore, application of T. asperellum has potential as a biological control alternative to synthetic fungicides for protection of onion crops against infection by S. rolfsii. This protection depends on both constitutive and induced defence responses and varies amongst onion varieties.