Effect of metabolites from different Trichoderma strains on the growth of Rosellinia necatrix,the causal agent of avocado white root rot

Seven different strains of Trichoderma isolated from avocado roots showed antagonism to Rosellinia necatrix, which is the causal agent of white root rot. We studied these Trichoderma strains on the basis of the secondary metabolites produced in liquid culture. Five different compounds, namely, 6PP (6-pentyl-α-pyrone), Harzianolide (4-hexa-2,4-dienyl-3-(2-hydroxy-propyl)-5H-furan-2-one), T39butenolide (4-hexa-2,4-dienyl-3-(2-oxo-propyl)-5H-furan-2-one), Dehydroharzianolide (4-hexa-2,4-dienyl-3-propenyl-5H-furan-2-one) and Cerinolactone [(3-hydroxy-5-(6-isopropyl-3-methylene-3, 4, 4a, 5, 6, 7, 8, 8a-octahydronaphthalen-2-yl) dihydrofuran-2-one); a recently discovered novel metabolite], were obtained. In vitro studies of the effects of these compounds on different R. necatrix strains isolated from avocado roots and with different virulence demonstrated that 6PP had the strongest effect even at a low concentration. Although unstable, Cerinolactone and T39butenolide also had large effects on R. necatrix, mainly at a concentration of 200 μg. Harzianolide and Dehydroharzianolide exhibited the lowest effects on the pathogen. In vivo studies of Trichoderma metabolites on Lupinus luteus plants demonstrated the delay of white root rot epidemic through preventive application of 6PP or Harzianolide to seeds or plantlets by immersion in solutions of these metabolites at 1 mg l^?1 (minimum effective dosage). In contrast, Cerinolactone only was effective at 10 mg l^?1 when applied by plantlet immersion. Thus, this study reports the role that these metabolites could play for controlling avocado white root rot caused by R. necatrix.     

Fusarium stem and fruit rot of sweet peppers in the glasshouse

A stem and fruit rot of sweet peppers ( Capsicum annuum ) occurred in 1992 in West Sussex affecting a large proportion of plants of cv. Tasty and to a lesser extent cv. Mazurka. Fusarium solani was isolated from the stem lesions and also from a short distance above and below them. The disease was largely nodal. Distinctive fruit symptoms also occurred. Symptoms were reproduced by inoculation of wounds on the stem. On agar and in a small in vivo test the pathogen was sensitise to benomyl at 2 μg ml. The disinfectants, commercial sodium hypochlorite, Purogene and Tego 51 effectively killed macrospores following exposure for 15 min.     

The occurrence of Fusarium crown and root rot of tomato in Israel

Based upon symptomatology and the results of pathogenicity tests, it has been shown that the Fusarium crown and root rot organism of tomato — previously reported only from North America and Japan — is present in Israel.     

Trichothecenes and aggressiveness of Fusarium graminearum causing seedling blight and root rot in cereals

Greenhouse trials conducted in 2003 and 2004 investigated the impact of trichothecenes on the severity of seedling blight and root rot in common wheat ( Triticum aestivum ), durum wheat ( Triticum turgidum var. durum ), barley ( Hordeum vulgare ) and triticale (× Triticosecale 6x ) using two trichothecene-producing and two trichothecene-nonproducing Fusarium graminearum strains. In 2003 seedling emergence and survival following soil infestation of the trichothecene-producing strain (Gz3639) were significantly reduced compared with the trichothecene-nonproducing strain (GzT40), while root-rot incidence and severity were increased significantly. In 2004, two trichothecene-producing strains (Gz3639 and GzT106) reduced seedling emergence and survival ( P  ≤ 0·01) in eight of 10 crops/cultivars based on single-degree-of-freedom contrasts. However, when results from all strains were combined no significant differences were observed between two trichothecene-producing and two trichothecene-nonproducing F. graminearum strains. Inoculation with GzT106, a trichothecene-producing 'add-back' strain, resulted in more severe root rot symptoms in eight of 10 cultivars ( P  ≤ 0·01–0·05) and lower seedling emergence and survival in seven of 10 cultivars ( P  ≤ 0·01–0·10), compared with the wild-type parental strain Gz3639. The presence of trichothecenes may play an important role in the aggressiveness of F. graminearum .     

Fusarium spp. as a cause of crown and root rot of asparagus in Greece

Specimens of diseased asparagus (108) were selected from 17 fields in northern Greece. The asparagus crowns showed limited or widespread brown discoloration or extensive internal rot with fibrous tissues. A red-brown discoloration was also observed on the roots and, in a serious infection, most of the roots were totally destroyed and only their epidermis and ribbon-like central axis remained. 68 strains of Fusarium proliferatum , 25 of F. oxysporum , 19 of F. solani , and 1 strain of Rhizoctonia solani were isolated from crowns and roots. Single-spore isolates were subcultured from 50 strains of F. proliferatum , 21 of F. oxysporum and 7 of F. solani. These isolates were evaluated for pathogenicity by inoculating cultivar UC157F₁ of asparagus in an in vitro agar test-tube assay for 21 days at 29–32°C, with a light period of 16 h. Isolates of F. proliferatum and F. oxysporum were found to be the most pathogenic. The pathogenic F. oxysporum isolates were characterized as f.sp. asparagi.     

2006年如皋豇豆根腐病重发原因分析及防治对策

豇豆根腐病(Fusariumsp.)是近年来如皋市豇豆上的重发病害之一,常年病株率30%～100%,病指34.5,严重影响本市的豇豆生产和市场供应。     

Evaluation of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria for biological control of pythium root rot of cucumbers grown in rockwool and effects on yield

Three strains ofPseudomonas fluorescens (63-49, 63-28, and 15), one strain ofPseudomonas corrugata (13) and one strain ofSerratia plymuthica (R1GC4) were tested on rockwool-grown cucumbers for their ability to reduce Pythium root-rot caused byPythium aphanidermatum. These strains were previously selected for biocontrol ability from collections of >4000 bacteria. Strains 63-49 and 63-28 were tested on cucumber plants grown in rockwool in two replicatedPythium-inoculated trials conducted in British Columbia (B.C). Another inoculated, replicated trial was conducted in Quebec with all five strains. Cucumber yields (fruit number and weight) were measured over a ten-week harvest period. Strain 63-49 caused an early promotion of plant growth and increased cucumber yields at early harvests. No measurable effect ofPythium inoculation on disease development was observed in the Quebec trial, due to unfavourable cool weather. However, 63-49 significantly increased the total number of cucumbers (12%) and cucumber weight (18%), compared to the non-treated control. Strains 13, 15 and R1GC4 slightly increased the cumulative cucumber yields, but strain 63-28 had no effect. In the B.C. trial, inoculation withP. aphanidermatum reduced the number and weight of cucumbers by 27%. Treatments ofPythium-inoculated cucumbers with 63-49 significantly increased fruit number and weight by 18%, compared to thePythium-inoculated control. Strain 63-28 increased the cumulative number of cucumbers over time, compared to thePythium-inoculated control, but the increase was less than with 63-49. The use ofPseudomonas spp. in rockwool-grown cucumbers can increase yields, both in the presence and absence of Pythium root rot, and with variable seasonal conditions and disease pressures.     

Stratified distribution of Fusarium and Bipolaris on wheat and barley with dryland root rot in South Australia

Dryland root rot of wheat and barley in South Australia is a syndrome from which the associated fungi Fusarium equiseti, F. acuminatum, F. oxysporum and Bipolaris sorokiniana were isolated consistently. Fusarium infections were concentrated on the subcrown internodes, crown roots and culm bases, and occurred with equal frequency on wheat and barley. Bipolaris infections were more numerous on barley than on wheat, and were concentrated on culm bases and subcrown internodes. Recoveries of each of the four fungi showed a pattern of infection that was neither randomly nor evenly distributed. Each fungus had preferences for certain sites which resulted in a stratified distribution over the roots and crown. When two barley cultivars were compared, the patterns of infection were different; the subcrown internode was attacked more severely, and there was a substantial increase in the amount of infection by all four fungi on one of the cultivars. Pathogenicity tests on barley and oats showed that all four species of fungi were capable of causing damage to roots, but there were differences between isolates of each fungus and differences in their ability to damage barley and oats.     

Influence of aldicarb on root lesion nematodes, leaf disease and root rot in wheat and barley

The effects of aldicarb on populations of root lesion nematodes (primarily Pratylenchus penetrans ) and on grain yields of spring barley and wheat were examined in the field over 3 years, 1981*83. The incidence of barley net blotch ( Pyrenophora teres ), wheat leaf blotch ( Leptosphaeria nodorum ), and common root rot ( Cochliobolus sativus ) was also recorded in 1982 and 1983. Aldicarb treatments reduced the size of root lesion nematode populations in soil and roots in all years, except in the mid-season soil sample in 1983. The severity of leaf disease was decreased only in 1982, but the incidence of root rot was not significantly affected by the nematticide. Although aldicarb increased cereal grain yields by approximately 15% there was no significant relationship between numbers of root lesion nematodes in roots and soil and fungal disease symptoms on barley and wheat.     

Effect of chitin on biological control activity of Bacillus spp. and Trichoderma harzianum against root rot disease in pepper (Capsicum annuum) plants

Two bacterial isolates and one strain of Trichoderma harzianum were tested alone and in combination with chitin for efficacy in control of root rot disease caused by Phytophthora capsici and Rhizoctonia solani in pepper plants under greenhouse conditions. These bacteria (Bacillus subtilis HS93 and B. licheniformis LS674) were isolated from repeatedly washed roots of pepper plants. In in vitro assays, HS93, LS674 and T. harzianum were antagonistic against P. capsici and R. solani and produced high levels of chitinase. Seed treatment and root drenching with bacterial suspensions of HS93 with 0.5% chitin was more effective against Phytophthora and Rhizoctonia root rot than addition of the organisms without chitin. LS674 and T. harzianum reduced Rhizoctonia but not Phytophthora root rot. In two greenhouse tests, seed treatment and root drenching with HS93 amended with chitin enhanced its biocontrol activity against P. capsici but not on R. solani. The effects of LS674 and T. harzianum against R. solani were significantly enhanced when they were used as suspensions with 0.5% chitin for root drenching, but this had no effect on P. capsici. In both greenhouse experiments, the use of 0.5% chitin alone for root drenching reduced Rhizoctonia root rot. Reduction of root rot disease was accompanied by increased yield. These results show that the antagonistic activity of HS93, LS674 and T. harzianum may be stimulated by chitin resulting in significant improvements in their effectiveness against pathogens.     

Sclerotinia stem rot in tomato: a review on biology,pathogenicity, disease management and future research priorities

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection - Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR), caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) De Bary, is one of the most devastating diseases of tomato. The control of the...     

Plant defense activation and management of tomato root rot by a chitin-fortified <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trichoderma/Hypocrea</Emphasis> formulation

Tomato root rot caused by Rhizoctonia solani is a major soilborne disease resulting in significant yield loss. The culture filtrates of six isolates of Trichoderma/Hypocrea species were evaluated for in vitro production of hydrolytic enzymes. Results demonstrated that all the six isolates were able to produce chitinase, β-1, 3 glucanase and protease in the range of 76–235 μmol GlcNAc min^-1 mg^-1 protein, 31.90–37.72 nmol glucose min^-1 mg^-1 proteins and 63.05–86.22 μmol min^-1 mg^-1 proteins, respectively. Trichoderma/Hypocrea-based formulation(s) were prepared with chitin (1% v:v) and CMC (0.5% w:v) for root rot management in a greenhouse. Root dip application with bioformulation(s) resulted in a significant reduction of the root rot index. In addition, bioformulations increased plant growth attributing traits significantly relative to untreated control. Accumulation of total phenols, peroxidase, polyphenoloxidase and phenylalanine ammonia lyase increased in chitin-supplemented Trichoderma/Hypocrea formulation-treated plants challenged with R. solani. The results suggest that chitin-fortified bioformulation(s) could be an effective system to control root rot of tomato in an eco-compatible manner.     

Identification and characterization of pathogens associated with root rot of winter peas grown under organic management in Germany

Root rots are limiting factor for pea production worldwide. This disease is caused by a pathogen complex and the role of single pathogens is unclear. This study aimed at identifying pathogens involved in a root rot of organically grown field pea in Germany, and establishing their importance in the disease complex. The potential of yard waste compost to suppress the diseased was also studied. Average disease severity index was similar in 2010 and 2011 (DI of 4.56 to 4.59, respectively) but it increased in 2012 to DI 5.8. Peyronellaea pinodella was most frequently isolated pathogen, with isolation frequency from 86%, 73% and 86% in 2010, 2011 and 2012, respectively. In addition, Didymella pinodes, Fusarium solani f. sp. pisi, F. oxysporum f. sp. pisi and F. avenaceum were the main fungi recovered from pea roots. In pathogenicity test all of the tested pathogens caused weak symptoms on the pigmented winter variety EFB33 and moderate to severe symptoms on the white flowering summer variety Santana. F. avenaceum was the most aggressive pathogen on Santana with DI of 7.4 followed by P. pinodella with DI of 5.7. The high aggressiveness combined with the wide host range highlights the possibility of F. avenaceum emerging as potential risk for organic crop rotation. High levels of resistance of EFB33 against all pathogens shows the potential of this variety to serve as a resource in further research for identification and development of new sources of resistance against root rot diseases of pea.     

Phytophthora root and collar rot of alders in Bavaria: distribution, modes of spread and possible management strategies

A survey of symptoms of phytophthora root and collar rot of common ( Alnus glutinosa ) and grey alder ( A. incana ) in riparian and forest stands in Bavaria was conducted by the Bavarian State Forestry and river authorities. Symptoms were seen in 1041 out of 3247 forest alder stands. The majority of the affected stands (80·9%) were less than 21 years old; 46% of these young stands were growing on nonflooded sites and 92% had been planted. The riparian survey showed that symptoms were widespread along more than 50% of the river systems. Along some rivers the disease incidence exceeded 50%. The 'alder Phytophthora ' was recovered from 166 of 185 riparian and forest alder stands with symptoms. In 58 of the 60 rivers and streams investigated in detail, the source of inoculum was traced back to infested young alder plantations growing on the river banks or on forest sites that drain into the rivers. Once introduced to a river system, the 'alder Phytophthora ' infects alders downstream. Baiting tests showed that the 'alder Phytophthora ' was present in rootstocks of alders from three out of four nurseries which regularly bought in alder plants for re-sale, but not in rootstocks from four nurseries that grew their own alders from seed. In addition, the infected nurseries used water from infested water courses for irrigation. The Bavarian State Ministry for Agriculture and Forestry has developed a code of practice for producing healthy alder plants in forest nurseries. This includes a 3-year fallow period between bare-rooted alder crops because of poor survival of the 'alder Phytophthora ' in soil.     

Epidemiology of bacterial ring rot of potato in plant and soil–consequences for disease management

Journal of Plant Diseases and Protection - In five field experiments, carried out from 2002 to 2004, the infestation of potato plants and the contamination of soil with Clavibacter michiganensis...