Comparison of resistance-inducing abilities of virulent and avirulent races of Erysiphe graminis f.sp. hordei and a race of Erysiphe graminis f.sp. tritici in barley

Resistance to powdery mildew was induced in barley by preinoculation with virulent and avirulent races of barley powdery mildew ( Erysiphe graminis f.sp. hordei ), and with a race of wheat powdery mildew ( E. graminis f.sp. tritici ). Four inducer densities were tested in 13 different induction periods between 1 and 24 h. Generally, the resistance induced by barley powdery mildew increased up to 10-12 h of induction and was maintained in longer induction periods. The inducing abilities of virulent and avirulent races could not be distinguished up to 10-12 h of induction, after which the inducing ability of avirulent races increased significantly in relation to virulent races. Wheat powdery mildew was able to induce more resistance than barley powdery mildew in induction periods up to 8 h. In a single inoculation procedure the number of haustoria developing from virulent barley powdery mildew decreased as inoculum density increased. The effect was ascribed to induction of resistance. This reduction of infection efficiency in the compatible interaction was compared to induced resistance. However, the inoculum density needed for 50% resistance induction in the double inoculation procedure was approximately 40 times higher than the inoculum density needed for 50% reduction in infection efficiency in the single inoculation procedure.