Phosphite-mediated enhancement of defence responses in Agrostis stolonifera and Poa annua infected by Microdochium nivale

The ascomycete fungus Microdochium nivale is one of the most damaging pathogens of cool season turfgrass. Prevention of and recovery from infection is costly to many sports facilities each year. In recent years, use of many chemical plant protectants has been restricted and turfgrass managers have increasingly sought alternative measures for disease control. The use of phosphite has been shown to be effective in reducing M. nivale disease symptoms in Agrostis stolonifera and Poa annua. The aim of this research was to assess initial defence responses in M. nivale-infected turfgrass, specifically total phenolic content and hydrogen peroxide generation, to determine the effect phosphite treatment has on these responses and on suppression of symptoms. Phenolic compounds and H₂O₂ are shown to be components of host responses. Phosphite treatment led to enhanced accumulations of total phenolic content, and when applied sequentially or singly to greenhouse plants, it led to significant reductions in M. nivale disease symptoms compared to phosphate-treated plants or controls. H₂O₂ extractions indicated that while phosphite treatment increased H₂O₂ generation compared to controls, the effect was no different to the responses in phosphate-treated plants.