Relative tolerances of wild and cultivated barley to infection by Blumeria graminis f.sp. hordei (Syn. Erysiphe graminis f.sp. hordei). II—the effects of infection on photosynthesis and respiration

The relative levels of tolerance of two wild barley lines (Hordeum spontaneum), B19909 and I-17-40, and one cultivated barley (Hordeum vulgare), cv. Prisma, to Blumeria graminis f.sp. hordei were determined by comparing the effects of different levels of infection on the photosynthesis and respiration rates of the third leaf. Infection caused the early onset of senescence in all three lines, and in particular in cv. Prisma, and was accompanied by decreases in gross and net photosynthesis rates, increases in respiration rates, and loss of chlorophyll. The onset of senescence occurred at approximately the same time in infected leaves of the two wild lines, but once triggered, photosynthesis rates and chlorophyll levels declined more rapidly in I-17-40 than in B19909. A burst of respiratory activity accompanied the onset of senescence, and this was greatest in cv. Prisma. Conidial production was higher in B19909, indicating a higher level of tolerance in this line.