Characterization of AG-13, a Newly Reported Anastomosis Group of Rhizoctonia solani

ABSTRACT Rhizoctonia solani anastomosis group (AG)-13 was collected from diseased roots of field grown cotton plants in Georgia in the United States. Isolates of AG-13 did not anastomose with tester isolates of AG-1 through AG-12. Mycelium of all isolates of AG-13 were light brown but darkened as cultures aged. All isolates produced aerial mycelium. Concentric rings were visible after 3 to 4 days of growth but disappeared as cultures aged and darkened. Individual sclerotia were up to 1.5 mm in diameter, similar in color to the mycelium, and generally embedded in the agar. Clumps of sclerotia up to 5 mm in diameter were produced on the agar surface. All attempts to induce basidiospore production were unsuccessful. The 5.8S region of the rDNA from isolates of AG-13 was identical in length and sequence to isolates of all other AGs of R. solani. Length and sequence of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of rDNA from isolates of AG-13 were unique among AGs of R. solani. Similarity between AG-13 and other AGs of R. solani ranged from 68 to 85% for ITS region 1 and 85 to 95% for ITS region 2. Selected isolates of AG-13 caused minor or no damage to barley, cauliflower, cotton, lettuce, potato, and radish in laboratory or greenhouse studies.     

Characterization of Mycorrhizal Isolates of Rhizoctonia solani from an Orchid, Including AG-12, a New Anastomosis Group

ABSTRACT Isolates of Rhizoctonia solani collected from mycorrhizal orchid (Pterostylis acuminata) plants and adjacent leaf litter were characterized. Of 23 selected isolates, 20 were members of a new anastomosis group (AG-12) and the rest were members of AG-6. There were no bridging anastomosis reactions observed between AG-12 and other AGs of R. solani. Among the 20 isolates of AG-12 evaluated, 18 vegetatively compatible populations were detected, indicating diversity within the AG. Mature cultures were dark brown, as were mature sclerotia. Some cultures produced alternating dark- and light-colored concentric rings, with sclerotia forming in the darker rings. Most cultures were appressed to the agar surface. In tests run to characterize pathogenic potential, selected mycorrhizal isolates of AG-12 and AG-6 did little damage to potato and barley seedlings, moderate damage to head lettuce seedlings, and more extensive damage to seedlings of cauliflower and radish. Isolates of AG-12 have not been observed to fruit in nature, and all attempts to induce formation of the teleomorph (Thanatephorus cucumeris) in the laboratory by selected isolates of AG-12 failed.     

Rhizoctonia Blight of Yacon Caused by Rhizoctonia solani AG-1 (IB)

Severe blight of stems and leaves caused by Rhizoctonia solani AG-1 (IB) was found on yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius), a Compositae tuber crop, grown in Ehime Prefecture, Japan, from August to September 1996 and 1999. We named it “Rhizoctonia blight of yacon” as a new disease. Received 15 October 2001/ Accepted in revised form 25 November 2001     

Wheat Genotype-Specific Induction of Soil Microbial Communities Suppressive to Disease Incited by Rhizoctonia solani Anastomosis Group (AG)-5 and AG-8

ABSTRACT The induction of disease-suppressive soils in response to specific cropping sequences has been demonstrated for numerous plant-pathogen systems. The role of host genotype in elicitation of the essential transformations in soil microbial community structure that lead to disease suppression has not been fully recognized. Apple orchard soils were planted with three successive 28-day cycles of specific wheat cultivars in the greenhouse prior to infestation with Rhizoctonia solani anastomosis group (AG)-5 or AG-8. Suppressiveness to Rhizoctonia root rot of apple caused by the introduced isolate of R. solani AG-5 was induced in a wheat cultivar-specific manner. Pasteurization of soils after wheat cultivation and prior to pathogen introduction eliminated the disease suppressive potential of the soil. Wheat cultivars that induced disease suppression enhanced populations of specific fluorescent pseudomonad genotypes with antagonistic activity toward R. solani AG-5 and AG-8, but cultivars that did not elicit a disease suppressive soil did not modify the antagonistic capacity of this bacterial community. When soils were infested prior to the initial wheat planting, all cultivars were uniformly susceptible to R. solani AG-8. However, when pathogen inoculum was added after three growth-cycles, wheat root infection during the fourth growth-cycle varied in a cultivar specific manner. The same wheat cultivar-specific response in terms of transformation of the fluorescent pseudomonad community and subsequent suppression of Rhizoctonia root rot of apple was observed in three different orchard soils. These results demonstrate the importance of host genotype in modification of indigenous saprophytic microbial communities and suggest an important role for host genotype in the success of biological control.     

Hyphal Anastomosis Reactions, rDNA-Internal Transcribed Spacer Sequences, and Virulence Levels Among Subsets of Rhizoctonia solani Anastomosis Group-2 (AG-2) and AG-BI

ABSTRACT Hyphal anastomosis reactions, rDNA-internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences, and virulence of isolates representing Rhizoctonia solani AG-BI and six subsets of anastomosis group (AG)-2 (-2-1, -2-2 IIIB, -2-2 IV, -2-2 LP, -2-3, and -2-4) were compared. AG-2-4 is a subset described for the first time in this report. Anastomosis reactions within AG-BI and the listed subsets of AG-2 were generally strong but, between subsets, ranged from strong to a very weak "bridging" -type reaction. Anastomosis reaction alone generally did not provide adequate evidence for placement of an isolate into a subset of AG-2. Anastomosis reactions between AG-BI and the original subsets of AG-2 (-2-1 and -2-2) are very strong; for this reason, we propose that it be included as a subset of AG-2 (designation AG-2 BI). Subsets -2-3 and -2-4 show very weak bridging-type anastomosis reactions with all other subsets of AG-2 and thus may be candidates for independent AG status. Grouping within AG-2 based on rDNA-ITS sequences was consistent with the abovementioned subsets. However, grouping based on virulence as measured herein does not conform to established grouping patterns within AG-2 and does not seem useful as a group-defining criterion. A broad range of damage was observed among members of the most virulent subsets (-2-1, -2-2 IIIB, -2-2 IV, and -2-4), whereas other subsets (-2 BI, -2-2 LP, and -2-3) were similar to one another in causing a minimal level of damage. Group-specific primer pairs for each of the seven subsets of AG-2 were designed based on the abovementioned rDNA-ITS sequences. Primer pairs proved dependable and subset specific in polymerase chain reaction amplifications of purified genomic DNA from 109 isolates of R. solani and two isolates of binucleate Rhizoctonia. These primers will provide a simple and useful method for subset-specific characterization within AG-2 if further critical evaluations confirm their specificity.     

Biological diversity of Rhizoctonia solani (AG-3) in a northern potato-cultivation environment in Finland

A total of 119 isolates of Rhizoctonia were collected from stem canker lesions, stolon and root lesions, hymenia on stems, or from black scurf on tubers of potato plants ( Solanum tuberosum ) in Finland (latitudes 60–67°N). All isolates except three belonged to anastomosis group 3 (AG-3) of R. solani , as determined by phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer sequences (ITS1 and ITS2) of ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. Sensitivity of the 119 isolates to the fungicide flutolanil was tested in vitro (EC₅₀ values 0·14–0·75  µ g active ingredient mL⁻¹). The isolates also varied considerably in growth rate (5·1–14·8 mm day⁻¹). The severity of disease caused by 99 isolates was determined based on the proportion of potato sprouts affected by lesions, discoloration or death, which was c . 1–60%. Only two isolates that were able to cause severe symptoms showed particularly low sensitivity to the fungicide and rapid growth rate. One isolate each of anastomosis groups AG-2-1 and AG-5 and an unknown, binucleate Rhizoctonia sp. were detected. The AG-5 isolate and the binucleate isolate caused mild symptoms on potato sprouts, whereas the AG-2-1 isolate was not pathogenic. Taken together, AG-3 of R. solani was the predominant causal agent of the stem canker and black scurf diseases of potato in Finland and showed considerable variability in disease severity, fungicide sensitivity and growth rate in vitro .     

First report of white leaf rot on Chinese chives caused by Rhizoctonia solani AG-2-1

Delayed sprouting and white rot of leaf tips were found on Chinese chives in a greenhouse in Hokkaido, Japan, in the spring of 2006 and 2007. The causal fungus was identified as Rhizoctonia solani anastomosis group (AG)-2-1 and discriminated from the leaf rot pathogen R. solani AG-4 HG-I in terms of pathogenicity. Symptoms and the time of year that the disease occurs also apparently differ for the two pathogens. This is the first report of white leaf rot on Chinese chive caused by R. solani AG-2-1.     

井冈霉素A对水稻纹枯病菌的毒力和作用机理研究

根据水稻纹枯病菌 Rhizoctonia solani AG- 1IA在含系列浓度井冈霉素 A马铃薯葡萄糖琼脂培养基 (PDA)上的菌丝生长速率 ,计算出药剂的毒力回归方程为:Y=3.2 30 9+0 .872 0 X,r=0 .9910 ,药剂的 EC50 =10 6 .9μg/ m L,EC75=6 34.5 μg/ m L。在含 5 0 0 μg/ m L井冈霉素 A的 PDA上水稻纹枯病菌的菌丝生长抑制率为 74 .1% ,而田间水稻植株上人工接菌的药效试验结果表明 ,5 0 μg/ m L药液喷洒后 7d和 14 d的防效即可分别达到 77.4 %和 76 .7% ,即药剂在 PDA平板上的理论抑制作用仅是田间活体植株上对病菌实际作用效果的 1/ 10。比较室内毒力和田间药效试验的结果可以看出 ,井冈霉素 A具有对病原菌和寄主植物双重作用的特性。研究首次发现 ,在室内培养基上不能有效抑制病菌生长的 1μg/ m L的井冈霉素 A可以在水稻植株未喷药部位产生防御水稻纹枯病的作用 ,且能够持续诱导植物防御反应相关酶——过氧化物酶 (PO)和苯丙氨酸解氨酶 (PAL)的活性增高,表明该药剂可以激发水稻抗性防卫反应的表达。     

A broad diversity survey of Rhizoctonia species from the Brazilian Amazon reveals the prevalence of R. solani AG-1 IA on signal grass and the new record of AG-1 IF on cowpea and soybeans

Leaf blight, sheath blight, and web blight are major diseases caused by Rhizoctonia species on both Fabaceae and Poaceae plant hosts in the Brazilian Amazon agroecosystem. To determine the diversity of Rhizoctonia species associated with foliar diseases on fabaceous (cowpea and soybean) and poaceous (rice and signal grass [Urochloa brizantha]) hosts, a broad survey was conducted in Pará, Rondônia, Roraima, and Mato Grosso, in the Amazon, from 2012 to 2013. We extended our survey to Cerrado areas of Mato Grosso, and the lowlands of Paraíba Valley, in São Paulo, where these Rhizoctonia foliar diseases have not been reported so far. Our findings revealed that these diseases are caused by a diversity of Rhizoctonia solani AG-1 complex. We detected that R. solani AG-1 IA (sexual phase Thanatephorus cucumeris) was the predominant pathogen associated with signal grass leaf blight and collar rot diseases in the Amazon, especially in Rondônia and northern Mato Grosso. In addition, a subgroup of R. solani (AG-1 IF), not previously reported in Brazil, was associated with leaf blight on cowpea and soybean, in Roraima. Another subgroup (AG-1 ID) was also detected in Roraima. In Mato Grosso Cerrados we did not find any of the major Rhizoctonia foliar pathogens. Instead, R. oryzae (Waitea circinata) was the predominant species associated with a collar rot on U. brizantha. In the lowlands of São Paulo, R. oryzae-sativae (Ceratobasidium oryzae-sativae) was the predominant pathogen detected causing the rice sheath spot disease.     

Virulence Variation and RAPD Polymorphism in African Isolates of Phaeoisariospis griseola (Sacc.) Ferr., the Causal Agent of Angular Leaf Spot of Common Bean

Fifty four isolates of Phaeoisariopsis griseola, the agent of common bean angular leaf spot disease from the Great Lakes Region of Africa, were characterised according to their virulence behaviour and their molecular patterns. Virulence properties were revealed through the inoculation of 29 genotypes of Phaseolus vulgaris, Phaseolus coccineus and Phaseolus polyanthus. Differences in reaction types revealed high variability among these isolates. Most of them, even when collected within the same location, showed differences in their respective reactions on many plant genotypes. For molecular typing, RAPD amplifications were performed for each isolate using five random primers. Isolates with different patterns were collected within one region. Simultaneously, similar molecular patterns were found in isolates collected at different sites. However, the average of molecular similarity, based on the percentages of shared bands for each isolates pair, was higher among isolates collected within one site. No direct correlation between molecular pattern and pathotype was observed.     

Biological control of Rhizoctonia solani on potatoes by antagonists. 1. Preliminary experiments with Verticillium biguttatum,a sclerotium-inhabiting fungus

A common mycoparasite,Verticillium biguttatum, was found to kill sclerotia ofRhizoctonia solani placed on an inert material (perlite) as well as in soil at 15°C and 20°C, but not at 10°C. Compared with the effectivity ofV. biguttatum, that ofGliocladium roseum, Gliocladium nigrovirens, Hormiactis fimicola andTrichoderma hamatum on sclerotia was only low. In laboratory experiments, treatment of sclerotia-bearing seed potatoes withV. biguttatum reduced disease symptoms in the first stage of growth of the potato plant.V. biguttatum was found to occur on the subterranean part of the potato plant. On untreated plants the surface of the sprouts was colonised byV. biguttatum originating from the soil, presumably partly in response to the presence ofR. solani mycelium. In a preliminary field experiment,Verticillium treatment did not reduce symptoms on the stem. However, there was a marked reduction in sclerotium formation on the newly formed potato tubers. This offers perspectives for a commercial use ofV. biguttatum in the control ofR. solani.     

Characterization of a new cultural type (LP) of Rhizoctonia solani AG2-2 isolated from warm-season turfgrasses, and its genetic differentiation from other cultural types

Isolates of Rhizoctonia solani AG2-2 obtained from turf with symptoms of large-patch disease of warm-season turfgrasses were compared with known AG2-2 isolates belonging to cultural types IIIB and IV. Some isolates that were previously identified as type IV have been separated here and named LP isolates. Comparisons among isolates were based on cultural morphology, hyphal growth rate, pathogenicity and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis in the nuclear encoded ribosomal DNA (rDNA) genes. The cultural characteristics of LP isolates varied from those of types IIIB and IV. LP isolates did not show distinct sclerotial formation and zonation, and the colour of their mycelia and pigment deposition was dark brown. LP isolates had slower hyphal growth rates than types IIIB and IV, with an optimum temperature of 25°C compared with 28°C for types IIIB and IV. LP isolates were less virulent on radish but highly virulent on zoysia grass when compared with isolates of types IIIB and IV. Genomic DNA was digested separately with Eco RI, Ban III, Xba I and Sal I, and probed with cloned rDNA from Alternaria alternata in Southern hybridizations. LP isolates had one RFLP pattern, while both IIIB and IV possessed four different patterns each. Cluster analysis of RFLPs showed that R. solani AG2-2 is divided into three genetic subgroups, consisting of the IIIB, IV and LP isolates, respectively. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified rDNA internally transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of the IIIB, IV and LP isolates had the same length but produced different restriction patterns when digested with Msp I and Taq I. These results indicate that there are three cultural types in R. solani AG2-2, namely IIIB, IV and LP.     

本土寄生蜂对移殖天敌昆虫泽兰实蝇的寄生

泽兰实蝇（Procecidochares utilis Stone）是我国入侵杂草紫茎泽兰的专食性天敌昆虫。为摸清本土寄生蜂对泽兰实蝇的寄生情况，在云南昆明市选取林下和开阔地等两种生境，分别采用对角线五点取样法与邻接格子取样法，调查了紫茎泽兰的生长及感染虫瘿情况；通过饲养与解剖虫瘿，观察了寄生泽兰实蝇的本土寄生蜂种类及其寄生率。结果表明，共有6种寄生蜂从虫瘿中羽化，对虫瘿的寄生率达70％以上；其中大部分虫瘿被3种寄生蜂寄生。虽然在开阔地生境中紫茎泽兰株高和每株枝条数显著大于林下生境，植株和枝条感虫（瘿）率也显著高于林下，但寄生蜂对虫瘿的总寄生率、各种寄生蜂的寄生率在两种生境之间差异不显著。解剖表明，每虫瘿羽化出的寄生蜂数随虫瘿横径的增大而显著增多。     

苏云金芽胞杆菌G033A对新发南美番茄潜叶蛾的室内毒力及田间防效

南美番茄潜叶蛾Tuta absoluta（Meyrick）是新近传入我国的一种世界毁灭性番茄害虫,对我国番茄产业的潜在威胁巨大。为有效控制南美番茄潜叶蛾,测定了新型苏云金芽胞杆菌基因工程菌G033A（Bt G033A）对该昆虫的室内毒力及田间防效。结果表明,在室内条件下,以32000 IU/mg Bt G033A WP处理过的番茄叶片饲喂南美番茄潜叶蛾幼虫,其室内毒力效果由高至底依次为4龄幼虫,3龄幼虫,1～2龄幼虫,致死中浓度LC₅₀分别为14.63、15.59和23.17 g/L;浓度在10 g/L及以上时,Bt G033A对南美番茄潜叶蛾各龄幼虫的毒力均较高,处理后96 h（第4 d）校正死亡率均超过90%。在田间条件下,以Bt G033A WP 100倍液（10 g/L）喷雾防治低龄幼虫即有较好的防效,药后第5 d对1龄和2龄幼虫的校正死亡率分别为89.1%和98.0%,药后第7 d对1龄和2龄幼虫的校正死亡率均为100%;并且,与常用的生物杀虫药剂鱼藤酮的防效相当。研究结果对有机蔬菜生产基地新发南美番茄潜叶蛾的有效控制及其综合防控方案制定,具有重要指导意义。