bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First Report of the Parasitic Plant Orobanche aegyptiaca Infecting Olive
Authors: Eizenberg H. , Golan S. , Joel D. M.
Published: May 2007

Broomrapes (Orobanche spp.) are obligatory parasitic plants that infect the root system of vegetables and field crops worldwide resulting in severe damage. Five broomrape species are known as significant parasites of crops in Israel: O. aegyptiaca Pers., O. cernua Loefl., O. cumana Wallr., O. crenata Forssk., and O. ramose L. (1,2). Recently, O. aegyptiaca was found to parasitize roots of young olive trees (Olea europaea) in a 1-year-old plantation located in Esdraelon Valley, Israel (voucher specimens deposited in Newe-Ya'ar Weed Herbarium, Ramat Yishay, Israel). To our knowledge, this is the first time that a tree in general and olive in particular has been reported to serve as host for O. aegyptiaca. Washing the root system clearly verified connections between the parasite and olive roots. Cross sections of an attachment site confirmed the development of functional haustoria. Trees were planted in a field where tomatoes had been previously parasitized by O. aegyptiaca for several years. In April 2001, many O. aegyptiaca plants emerged under each olive tree in a total area of 0.3 ha. Additional emergence of O. aegyptiaca was observed until July 2001. The high level of Orobanche infection did not lead to visible damage in the trees. However, the mature parasite developed massive amounts of seeds, serving to increase the population of O. aegyptiaca in the field.

References: (1) D. M. Joel and H. Eizenberg. Three Orobanche species newly found on crops in Israel. Phytoparasitica 30:187, 2002. (2) C. Parker and C. R. Riches. Parasitic Weeds of the World. CAB International, Wallingford, UK, 1993.
Yield Impact and Spread of Pineapple mealybug wilt associated virus-2 and Mealybug Wilt of Pineapple in Hawaii
Authors: Sether D. M. , Hu J. S.
Published: May 2007

The impact of mealybug feeding and Pineapple mealybug wilt associated virus-1 (PMWaV-1) and PMWaV-2 infection on pineapple fruit yield, and the spread of PMWaV-1 and mealybug wilt of pineapple (MWP) were evaluated under field conditions with a randomized complete block design. Plots of PMWaV-1-free or infected plants were maintained mealybug-free or inoculated with mealybugs (Dysmicoccus spp.) at monthly intervals. Plants infected with PMWaV-2, an integral part of MWP etiology, were nested within plots that were maintained free of mealybugs, and in the plots of PMWaV-1 infected plants exposed to mealybugs. MWP, which only developed in PMWaV-2 infected plants exposed to mealybugs, resulted in a 35% reduction in yield when compared to PMWaV-free plants. Yield reductions were dependent on time of MWP symptom development; the earlier the expression of symptoms the greater the impact on fruit yields. An interaction effect between PMWaV infection, inclusive of both PMWaV-1 and PMWaV-2 infected plants, and mealybug exposure was detected in the plant crop (P < 0.02) but not in the ratoon crop (P > 0.59). This could be explained by the presence of MWP symptom expression during the plant crop and subsequent plant recovery in the ratoon crop. Virus infection, inclusive of PMWaV-1 and PMWaV-2, suppressed yield (P < 0.01) in the ratoon crop. The commercially desirable fruit sizes were most frequently obtained from PMWaV-free plants. Spatial analysis of PMWaV-2 spread, and MWP symptom expression in mealybug inoculated plots showed patterns of aggregation within rows and within beds but not between beds over the course of the study. Initial occurrence of MWP symptom expression in mealybug-inoculated plots was underdispersed indicating random occurrence of PMWaV-2 plants. After 6 months of mealybug exposure, patterns of both PMWaV-2 incidence and MWP were overdispersed. Management strategies are discussed.
The Influence of Irrigation Frequency and Cultivar Blends on the Severity of Multiple Root Diseases in Sugar Beets
Authors: Harveson R. M. , Rush C. M.
Published: May 2007

The effects of cultivar mixtures and two irrigation frequency treatments were evaluated over two seasons for their impact on a complex of sugar beet root diseases in three fields infested with the fungal pathogens Aphanomyces cochliodes, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-betae, Rhizoctonia solani, and the viral pathogen Beet necrotic yellow vein virus (BNYVV). Irrigations after emergence consisted of two or five (two 1994 studies) and three or six (1995 study) applications of water for dry and wet treatments, respectively. Cultivar treatments included MH9155, HH67, Ranger, Rhizosen, and four combinations of these same cultivars. Disease progress was monitored through destructive sampling of plants exhibiting foliar symptoms typical of root disease during the season. At harvest, data on root and sucrose yields, sucrose percentage, and a root disease index were collected. No significant irrigation × cultivar treatment interactions were observed. Few significant differences were observed between irrigation treatments involving measured yield components. Reduced irrigations however, resulted in significantly lower disease incidence in all three repeated experiments when cultivar treatments were combined. No added benefits were observed for increasing yield or decreasing root disease by planting mixed cultivars, compared to the same cultivars planted individually. Several regionally adapted cultivars performed as well or better than mixtures under the unusually high levels of disease pressure in test fields. When few alternative options are available, sugar beet growers may still benefit from reducing irrigations, and growing locally adapted cultivars in soils severely infested with root pathogens.
First Report of Powdery Mildew on Asclepias curassavica in Italy
Authors: Garibaldi A. , Minuto A. , Bertetti D. , Gullino M. L.
Published: May 2007

Asclepias curassavica is grown in Italy for landscape use in parks and gardens. In 2001, severe outbreaks of a previously unknown powdery mildew were observed in commercial farms located in Albenga (northern Italy). Powdery mildew developed on the lower surface of leaves of container grown plants. The upper surface of infected leaves turned reddish and sometimes yellow. Infected tissues wilted, and leaves dropped prematurely. Conidiophores emerged through the stomata. Conidia were hyaline and had variable shape, mitrate when located at the apex of the conidiophore, and subcylindric when borne in the middle of a chain. Conidia measured 46 to 74 × 12 to 24 μm. Cleistothecia were not observed. The causal agent was identified as Oidiopsis sp. Pathogenicity was confirmed by gently pressing diseased leaves on leaves of healthy A. curassavica plants. Plants were maintained in a growth chamber at 20 to 24°C after inoculation. After 12 to 14 days, powdery mildew signs developed. Leveillula taurica has been reported as causal agent of powdery mildew on A. carassavica in India and on Asclepias sp. in Morocco (1). Also in our case, L. taurica should be the causal agent, since the genus Leveillula has as anamorph the genus Oidiopsis (2). In Switzerland, Phyllactinia suffulta has been described as incitant of a similar powdery mildew on A. syriaca.

References: (1) G. Bergen. Ann. Epiphyt. Nuove Serie, IV, 1:21, 1938. (2) J. Palti. The Bot. Rev. 54:423, 1988.
Timing of Fungicide Applications forBotrytis cinereaBased on Development Stage of Strawberry Flowers and Fruit
Authors: Mertely J. C. , MacKenzie S. J. , Legard D. E.
Published: May 2007

During the 1999-2000 and 2000-2001 growing seasons, field experiments were conducted to identify the developmental stage(s) of strawberry flowers and fruit that requires fungicide applications to control Botrytis fruit rot. Fenhexamid, a protectant fungicide, was applied to individual newly opened flowers or fruit of cultivar Sweet Charlie at defined intervals after anthesis. In 1999-2000, a single application of fenhexamid at anthesis controlled Botrytis fruit rot as well as multiple weekly applications beginning at anthesis. During both seasons, disease control deteriorated as applications were delayed 7 and 14 days after anthesis. This trend was described by linear regression equations relating the time of application to Botrytis fruit rot incidence. Additional treatments tested the effects of emasculation and petal removal 3 to 7 days after anthesis. Emasculation significantly reduced disease incidence in 2000-2001. Petal removal produced modest but significant reductions in 1999-2000, but not in 2000-2001. These results demonstrate that strawberry flowers are more susceptible to Botrytis cinerea than green fruit, and suggest that stamens are the principal infection court. Fungicide applications should focus on peak bloom periods to minimize fungicide use and optimize control of preharvest Botrytis fruit rot. During these periods, applications should be made at close intervals (≤7 days) to minimize losses to Botrytis.
Novel Use of a Pyrenomycetous Mycoparasite for Management of Fusarium Wilt of Watermelon
Authors: Harveson R. M. , Kimbrough J. W. , Hopkins D. L.
Published: May 2007

Fusarium wilt of watermelon, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum, is a destructive disease that limits watermelon production in many areas of the world. The discovery of several pyrenomycetous ascomycetes occurring naturally in association with different formae speciales of F. oxysporum identified these fungi as potential biological control organisms for watermelon wilt. One such mycoparasitic isolate, identified as Sphaerodes retispora var. retispora, was chosen for biological control and ecological trials in the greenhouse. Four different methods to inoculate the mycoparasite were evaluated, three of which utilized the parasite encapsulated into sodium alginate pellets. The other method employed root-dipping plants with mycoparasite ascospore suspensions. Ecological factors also were investigated, including the ability of S. retispora var. retispora to colonize watermelon roots, and its ability to survive in soil over time and reduce propagules of F. oxysporum f. sp. niveum. In the biological control studies, the use of the mycoparasite significantly reduced plant mortality and increased dry weights of watermelon plants after being challenged with F. oxysporum f. sp. niveum, compared with pathogen-inoculated controls. It appears that the incorporation of the parasite into alginate pellets in the planting mix at seeding may be the most practical method for future field evaluations of transplant-grown vegetable crops. In the ecological studies, the mycoparasite was recovered from infested soil after 9 months, but was only isolated from watermelon roots when applied in the presence of F. oxysporum. S. retispora var. retispora had no effect on F. oxysporum f. sp. niveum propagules after being applied to soils in the greenhouse.
Perennial Wheat Germ Plasm Lines Resistant to Eyespot, Cephalosporium Stripe, and Wheat Streak Mosaic
Authors: Cox C. M. , Murray T. D. , Jones S. S.
Published: May 2007

A perennial wheat cropping system on the Palouse Prairie of eastern Washington may provide an alternative to the Federal Conservation Reserve Program and reduce soil erosion while providing a harvestable crop for growers. Twenty-four perennial wheat germ plasm lines resulting from crosses between wheat and wheatgrass were evaluated under controlled environment conditions for resistance to Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV), Cephalosporium gramineum, and Tapesia yallundae (anamorph Pseudocercosporella herpotrichoides var. herpotrichoides). Perennial wheat lines SS452, SS103, SS237, MT-2, and PI 550713 were resistant to all three pathogens. Eight lines (33%) were resistant to WSMV at 21°C and 25°C; AT3425 was resistant to WSMV at 21°C but not at 25°C. Thirteen lines (54%) were highly to moderately resistant to C. gramineum. Thirteen lines (54%) were resistant to T. yallundae in each experiment, but the reactions of four lines differed between experiments. The wheatgrasses Thinopyrum intermedium (PI 264770) and Thinopyrum ponticum (PI 206624) are reported as new sources of resistance to T. yallundae. Perennial wheat must have resistance to these diseases in order to be feasible as a crop in the Pacific Northwest.
Macroptilium yellow mosaic virus, a New Begomovirus Infecting Macroptilium lathyroides in Cuba
Authors: Ramos P. L. , Fernández A. , Castrillo G. , Díaz L. , Echemendía A. L. , Fuentes A. , Peral R. , Pujol M. , Ascencio-Ibañez J. T. , Rivera-Bustamante R. , Arguello-Astorga G.
Published: May 2007

Macroptilium lathyroides (L) is a weed that is widely distributed in Cuba. Frequently, leaves show bright yellow mosaic symptoms, which suggest the incidence of a viral disease. Since begomovirus occurrence in Macroptilium lathyroides has been previously reported in other islands of the Caribbean (1,3), symptomatic plants from three distant places in Cuba (Havana, Villa Clara, and Camaguey), were collected and tested for the presence of begomoviruses. Plant DNA extracts were analyzed by Southern blot hybridization and polymerase chain reaction with two sets of degenerate primers (2). The presence of a bipartite begomovirus was evident through strong hybridization signals obtained with the DNA-A and DNA-B of Taino tomato mottle virus as probes at low stringency. Furthermore, 1.4-kb and 1.2-kb PCR amplified fragments were obtained with DNA-A degenerate primers, PAL1v1978-PAR1c715 and PAL1c1960-PAR1v722, respectively. Both PCR fragments from the samples from the three locations were cloned, and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis of the 1.4-kb fragments were performed using PstI, EcoRI, HincII, XbaI and BglII. Restriction fragment patterns were the same for the three clones. The DNA-A sequence (GenBank Accession No. AJ344452) of the isolate from Villa Clara was compared with sequences available for other geminiviruses using CLUSTAL program. For the coat protein (CP) gene, the comparisons had the highest percentage of identity with various strains of Bean golden yellow mosaic virus (BGYMV, GenBank Accession Nos. AF173555, M91604, and L01635) (85 to 87% and 93 to 94%, nucleotide and amino acid sequences, respectively). For Rep gene (1,044 nt), the best percentages of identities were with BGYMV (81 to 82% and 80 to 82% nucleotide and amino acid sequences, respectively), Tomato leaf crumple virus (GenBank Accession No. AF101476) (78 and 81%, nucleotide and amino acid sequences, respectively), and Sida golden mosaic virus from Florida (GenBank Accession No. AF049336) (78 and 79%, nucleotide and amino acid sequences, respectively). Finally, the comparative analysis of the intergenic region (i.e. the common region plus the CP gene promoter) had the highest identity with BGYMV (56 to 55%) and Tomato severe rugose virus (GenBank Accession No. AY029750) (49%). Interestingly, this virus has in this region the three G-box elements that are characteristic of BGYMV but it differs in the Rep protein-binding iterative motif that is GGTGA instead of GGAGA, for BGYMV. These data indicate that this virus is a new begomovirus and the name of Macroptilium yellow mosaic virus (MaYMV) is proposed.

References: (1) A. M. Idris et al. Plant Dis. 83:1071, 1999. (2) M. R. Rojas et al. Plant Dis. 77:340, 1993. (3) M. E. Roye et al. Plant Dis. 81:1251, 1997.
Fusarium Fruit Rot of Greenhouse Sweet Peppers in Canada
Authors: Utkhede R. , Mathur S.
Published: May 2007

In the summer of 2001, a fruit rot of orange sweet peppers (Capsicum annum L. cv. Sympathy MZ) was observed in commercial greenhouses in British Columbia, Canada. According to the grower's estimate, approximately 40% of fruits in the commercial greenhouse were severely affected in the year 2001 and approximately 10% in 2002. The disease appeared on mature fruits at harvest time, and affected fruits are considered as culls. The disease appeared as discolored soft patches or necrotic spots predominantly at the calyx end and occasionally, anywhere on the mature fruit at harvest time. Seeds and the surrounding area inside the fruits were covered with fungal growth and orange-pink spore masses. Five fungal isolations were made from the lesions. Infected tissues from the edge of lesions were surface sterilized in 1% sodium hypochlorite for 2 min, blotted dry on sterile filter paper, and cultured on potato dextrose agar (PDA). Plates were incubated at 22°C for 7 days. Single spore fungal colonies isolated from the tissues yielded Fusarium sp. Only one fungal species was consistently isolated from affected pepper fruits. Morphology of the fungus was consistent with Fusarium subglutinans (Wollenweber & Reinking) Nelson et al. according to Keith Seifert of Eastern Cereal and Oilseed Research Centre, Ottawa, Canada. Molecular tests are being developed to confirm the identification of the fungus. To confirm pathogenicity, 10 flowers and developing fruits of sweet pepper cv. Sympathy MZ grown in a greenhouse were inoculated with the pathogen. For inoculation, 20 μl of spore suspension of the fungus (concentration 106 spores/ml) was drop-inoculated on the wounded and unwounded surfaces of fruits. To inoculate flowers, a spore suspension was drop-inoculated in the middle of flowers without any wounding. Controls were treated with 20 μl of sterile water. The experiment was repeated once. Approximately 80% of inoculated fruits and flowers developed symptoms on fruits similar to naturally infected fruits at maturity. Fruits from control plants did not develop any disease. On PDA, a Fusarium species identical to the original one was recovered from all inoculated infected fruits. A preliminary study showed that this pathogen does not infect other greenhouse crops such as tomato, cucumber, or lettuce. Sweet pepper stem and fruit rot caused by Fusarium solan has been reported previously (1) but there is no report of fruit rot caused by a Fusarium subglutinans-like species on greenhouse sweet peppers.

Reference: (1) J. G. Menzies and W. R. Jarvis. Fusarium stem and fruit rot. Pages 333–334 in: Diseases and Pests of Vegetable Crops in Canada. R. J. Howard et al. eds. The Canadian Phytopathological Society and Entomological Society of Canada, 1994.
First Report of Phakopsora pachyrhizi, the Causal Organism of Soybean Rust in the Province of Misiones, Argentina
Authors: Rossi R. L.
Published: May 2007

In April 2002, Phakopsora pachyrhizi Sydow was observed for the first time in L. N. Alem, in the Province of Misiones, Argentina. Misiones is nearly surrounded by Paraguay and Brazil, where P. pachyrhizi was discovered recently (2) and where it is a serious disease (3). Symptoms were observed on leaves in the upper half of plants at the R6 stage in a soybean research field trial. Symptoms included reddish-brown lesions on leaves especially on the abaxial surface, and uredinias were observed in the lesions with a 10× lens. Leaf defoliation was observed due to the disease after the R5 stage, and the enviroment (high humidity and air temperatures) was particularly conducive to the disease. The field trial area was 2,500 m2 and included soybean genotypes of maturity groups V to IX. Symptoms were detected in the later maturity groups. Field trials were surrounded by kudzu (Pueraria sp.), which is a common weed introduced in South America as a forage plant by Asian farmers, and it was reported as the main host of this pathogen in Paraguay (2). To confirm the identity of the pathogen, leaf samples from the middle part of plants were collected and sent to the Foreign Disease-Weed Science Research Unit, Ft. Detrick, MD. Samples were analyzed using a real-time polymerase chain reaction assay (1). Identification of P. pachyrhizi was confirmed the last week of May, 2002 (R. Frederick, personal communication). The soybean production area in Misiones is a small area in Argentina lying 600 km northeast of the main soybean area in the north central part of the country. SENASA (Servicio Nacional de Sanidad Vegetal [Nacional Service of Plant Health]) and SAGPYA (Secretary of Agriculture) were formally informed about these results on June 19, 2002. A program to assess the risk of disease spread is under development.

References: (1) R. D. Frederick et al. Phytopathology 92:217, 2002. (2) W. Morel Paiva. AnaisII Congresso Brasilero de Soja e Mercosoja. Foz de Iguazu, Brazil, 2002. (3) T. Yorinori. Anais II Congresso Brasilero de Soja e Mercosoja. Foz de Iguazu, Brazil, 2002.
First Report of Turnip mosaic virus in Pisum sativum in Spain
Authors: Segundo E. , Martín-Bretones G. , Ruiz L. , Velasco L. , Janssen D. , Cuadrado I. M.
Published: May 2007

During 2001 and 2002, Pisum sativum var. vulgare plants grown as commercial crops in Almeria (southeast Spain) showed vein clearing and chlorotic mottle of leaves, leaf deformation, flower abortion, necrotic mottle and deformation of pods, and stunted plant growth. Crude sap of collected plants was mechanically inoculated on healthy pea plants which reproduced symptoms observed in the field; local necrotic lesions were produced on mechanically infected Chenopodium quinoa, C. amaranticolor, and Gomphrena globosa, systemic mosaic symptoms on Brassica napus and Nicotiana benthamiana, and local lesions plus systemic mosaic symptoms on N. clevelandii, which are all characteristic of Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) (1). A reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay using general primers for the extreme 3′ end of the potyvirus genome amplified products of 750 and 1,700 bp in nucleic acid extracts from naturally infected pea plants as well as from the mechanically infected test plants. The overlapping nucleotide sequences of the products (GenBank Accession No. AJ489259) had a nucleotide sequence identity of 86.5% and a derived amino acid identity of 95.0% with several published sequences of TuMV (1). This report cites the first partial nucleotide sequence of TuMV infecting pea crops, and although natural infections of this virus in pea have been reported in Morocco (1976) and in the United States (2), to our knowledge, this is the first report of TuMV in Spain.

References: (1) P. Lehmann et al. Physiol. Mol. Plant Pathol. 51:195, 1997. (2) R. Provvidenti. Plant Dis. Rep. 62:482, 1978.
Biological Behavior and Partial Molecular Characterization of Six Chilean Isolates of Plum pox virus
Authors: Reyes F. , Fiore N. , Reyes M. A. , Sepúlveda P. , Paredes V. , Prieto H.
Published: May 2007

Plum pox virus (PPV) strain D was first detected in Chile in 1992 infecting Prunus trees including peaches, nectarines, apricots, and plums. Since then, quarantine efforts have included periodic surveys in the central zone of the country, the main region for stone fruit production. This work describes the characterization of six PPV isolates from this area of Chile, using biological and molecular approaches. PPV isolates were introduced into Prunus tomentosa and Nicotiana benthamiana hosts by grafting and mechanical inoculation, respectively. Symptoms were evaluated by following the appearance of circular necrotic spots and mosaic in leaves of P. tomentosa and mosaic and some leaf deformation in N. benthamiana. Molecular analysis was carried out using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, allowing the cloning and sequencing of 1.34-kb fragments corresponding to the 3' region of the replicase gene, the complete coat protein (CP) gene, and the 3' nontranslated region of the PPV genome. Evolutionary distance analysis of these nucleotide sequences and their deduced coat protein amino acid sequences grouped the six Chilean isolates among strain D isolates, with closest genetic distances to those of Central Germany and Poland. Representative sources of these isolates suggest that strain D could be the only type of PPV currently present in Chile.
Reproductive Potential of Monosporascus cannonballus
Authors: Waugh M. M. , Kim D. H. , Ferrin D. M. , Stanghellini M. E.
Published: May 2007

Vine decline of melons caused by Monosporascus cannonballus is a destructive disease worldwide. Ascospores, the only spore stage produced by this soilborne fungus, serve as the primary inoculum. Ascospore production on roots occurs primarily at the end of the cropping season, and high soil temperatures (25 to 30°C) govern, in part, the rate of reproduction of the pathogen. In vitro studies confirm that the optimal temperature for reproduction ranged from 25 to 30°C. Additionally, the root system of a single mature cantaloupe plant is capable of supporting the production of approximately 400,000 ascospores. The latter population, if incorporated uniformly into 0.03 m3 (1 ft3) of soil, would be equivalent to 10 ascospores per gram of soil. Known problem fields contain as few as 2 ascospores per gram of soil. These results offer a possible explanation for field observations that economically significant disease problems can occur after only two consecutive melon crops if environmental conditions are conducive to pathogen reproduction, and they suggest that strategies to inhibit reproduction would be instrumental in disease management.
Virulence of Rhizoctonia oryzae on Wheat and Barley Cultivars from the Pacific Northwest
Authors: Paulitz T. C. , Smith J. D. , Kidwell K. K.
Published: May 2007

Rhizoctonia oryzae (teleomorph = Waitea circinata) causes sheath spot of rice and root rot of wheat and barley. R. oryzae commonly is isolated from barley, wheat, and pea plants in eastern Washington and Idaho. Eight representative isolates were tested for virulence on spring barley (Hordeum vulgare cv. Baronesse), soft white winter wheat (Triticum aestivum cv. Madsen), and hard red spring wheat (cv. Scarlet) planted in natural soil in the greenhouse and maintained at 16°C. All isolates caused significant reduction of emergence in barley, but only seven of the eight isolates and one of the eight isolates reduced emergence of winter wheat and spring wheat, respectively. All isolates caused significant stunting and reduction in the number of seminal roots, root length, and number of root tips on wheat and barley. Some isolates also reduced the frequency of fine secondary roots, resulting in a reduction of the average root diameter. Spring barley was more susceptible to R. oryzae than winter or spring wheat. The main effects of both cultivar and isolate were significant, and there was a significant isolate-cultivar interaction. R. oryzae isolate 80042 was the most virulent on barley, whereas R. oryzae isolate 801387 was the most virulent on wheat. The two isolates from pea were intermediate in virulence on wheat and barley. When screening germ plasm for potential resistance, isolates exhibiting the maximum virulence for each host should be used.
Greenhouse Evaluation of Products That Induce Host Resistance for Control of Scab, Melanose, and Alternaria Brown Spot of Citrus
Authors: Agostini J. P. , Bushong P. M. , Timmer L. W.
Published: May 2007

Products that induce disease resistance in plants were evaluated on potted seedlings of rough lemon for citrus scab, caused by Elsinoe fawcettii; grapefruit for melanose, caused by Diaporthe citri; and Dancy tangerine for Alternaria brown spot caused by Alternaria alternata pv. citri. Plants were pruned to a single stem with mature leaves and treated at bud break or various times thereafter. New foliage was inoculated and subsequently evaluated for disease severity. Oxycom, Nutriphite, Messenger, Goemar H11, Serenade, ReZist, ProPhyt, Aliette, Actigard, and KeyPlex were evaluated and compared with benomyl or strobilurin fungicides as standards. Most products reduced disease severity compared with the untreated control, but were less effective than standard fungicides. The most generally effective products were ReZist and Actigard, those that contain or produce phosphorous acid (Aliette and Nutriphite), and a bacterial preparation (Serenade). Oxycom and Messenger controlled scab well in some tests. Products that induce host resistance may be useful for disease control in citrus in an integrated program with standard fungicides.
Phytophthora-Diaprepes Weevil Complex: Phytophthora spp. Relationship with Citrus Rootstocks
Authors: Graham J. H. , Bright D. B. , McCoy C. W.
Published: May 2007

Diaprepes abbreviatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a root weevil, introduced from the Caribbean Basin into Florida in 1964. The larval stage feeds on fibrous and structural roots of citrus, predisposing the injured root system to infection and girdling by Phytophthora spp. In citrus orchards, the rootstocks trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata) and hybrid ‘Swingle’ citrumelo (Citrus paradisi × P. trifoliata) are resistant to the complex of P. nicotianae with D. abbreviatus, while ‘Cleopatra’ mandarin (C. reticulata) is susceptible to this complex. When Phytophthora palmivora is coincident with P. nicotianae in fine-textured, poorly drained soils, Swingle citrumelo is more vulnerable to attack by the complex with P. palmivora than is Cleopatra mandarin. Infestation of 9-month-old seedlings with zero, two, or five neonate larvae resulted in a wide range of fibrous root and taproot damage of trifoliate orange and Cleopatra mandarin. Leakage of reducing sugars increased sharply as injury to the roots exceeded 75%. The relationship between feeding damage and root leakage was similar for the two rootstocks. Thus, reduced root damage was not based on host resistance to larval feeding. Root infection and rhizosphere populations of P. nicotianae were higher on Cleopatra mandarin than on trifoliate orange. Root rot by P. nicotianae did not increase with severity of feeding injury on either rootstock. Root infection and root rot by P. palmivora was more severe on trifoliate orange than on Cleopatra mandarin and increased with severity of larval damage. P. palmivora infected and rotted the taproot of both rootstocks if predisposed by larval feeding, but P. nicotianae did not. Commercial rootstocks are severely damaged by larvae of D. abbreviatus; therefore, tolerance of the Phytophthora-Diaprepes weevil complex should be based on resistance of rootstocks to each Phytophthora sp.
Occurrence of the Root-Knot Nematode Meloidogyne hapla in the Czech Republic
Authors: Zouhar M. , Rysanek P. , Tesarova B.
Published: May 2007

Meloidogyne hapla was detected in several commercial vegetable fields in the Province of Central Bohemia in the Czech Republic. Crops grown in the area of infestation include leek, onion, cauliflower, early potatoes, and carrot. During the past 2 to 3 years, growers have observed typical symptoms of Meloidogyne infection as stunting and galls on roots of carrot. Identification of the causal organism was based on microscopic observation of the perineal patterns of females obtained from root galls and polymerase chain reaction (1,2). Known isolates of M. chitwoodi, M. arenaria, M. javanica, M. incognita, and M. fallax from M. Phillips (SCRI, Dundee) and C. Zijlstra (PRI, Wageningen), and M. hapla from M. Liskova (PI, Kosice) were used as controls. M. hapla was identified in galled roots using both methods. Several fields with carrots were inspected in the area during vegetation in 2000 and 2001. In most fields, only isolated and limited outbreaks occurred, but recently, we observed a widespread and fairly homogeneous occurrence of root knot attributed to M. hapla in a 2-ha field. This nematode may become a more widespread and damaging pest, especially of carrot, in the Czech Republic. Other than carrot, vegetable crops grown in the area and tested in the greenhouse and field in soil highly infested by our isolates of M. hapla had no visible symptoms of infection. Therefore, exclusion of carrot cultivation or a longer crop rotation is recommended to minimize economic losses to growers. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence of M. hapla in the Czech Republic.

References: (1) T. S. Harris et al. J. Nematol. 22:518, 1990. (2) C. Zijlstra et al. Genetics 85:1231, 1995.
Bermuda Grass as a Potential Reservoir Host forGrapevine fanleaf virus
Authors: Izadpanah K. , Zaki-Aghl M. , Zhang Y. P. , Daubert S. D. , Rowhani A.
Published: May 2007

Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) was detected in samples of Bermuda grass (BG) from Iran by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using two different pairs of GFLV-specific primers, and also by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using antiserum specific for a North American isolate of the virus. RT-PCR detected GFLV in both fresh and dried BG tissues and in virus preparations purified from these plants. Cloning and sequencing of the RT-PCR products confirmed that the amplified sequences were sections of the GFLV coat protein gene. Similar results were obtained when random and oligo(dT) primers were used on viral RNA templates recovered from BG to synthesize cDNA for cloning and sequencing. The virus induced few or no symptoms in BG, but could nonetheless be transmitted from BG to Chenopodium quinoa by mechanical inoculation. Some isolates induced systemic chlorotic spots and leaf deformation; others remained symptomless in this plant. Both symptomatic and symptomless C. quinoa plants were found to be infected with GFLV, giving positive ELISA and RT-PCR tests. A North American isolate of GFLV was found to be mechanically transmissible to BG as indicated by positive RT-PCR results from root samples of inoculated plants. GFLV-infected BG was widely distributed in the Fars province of Iran.
Distribution of Leaf-Feeding Beetles and Bean pod mottle virus (BPMV) in Illinois and Transmission of BPMV in Soybean
Authors: Mabry T. R. , Hobbs H. A. , Steinlage T. A. , Johnson B. B. , Pedersen W. L. , Spencer J. L. , Levine E. , Isard S. A. , Domier L. L. , Hartman G. L.
Published: May 2007

Bean leaf beetles (BLB; Cerotoma trifurcata) were collected in soybean (Glycine max) fields in 58 and 99 Illinois counties surveyed during the 2000 and 2001 growing seasons, respectively. In 2000, BLB counts were highest in the central portion of the state. BLB counts were lower the following year, but were more uniformly distributed throughout the state. BLB tested positive for Bean pod mottle virus (BPMV) in 37 of 41 counties assayed in 2000. In 2001, BLB tested positive for BPMV in 86 of 99 counties sampled. In 2000 and 2001, western corn rootworm (WCR; Diabrotica virgifera virgifera) adults were abundant in soybean fields only in east central Illinois. WCR adults tested positive for BPMV in 21 of 21 east central Illinois counties in 2000 and 20 of 24 sampled in 2001. BPMV was detected in soybean plants in 38 of 46 counties sampled in 2000. Field-collected WCR adults transmitted BPMV to potted soybean plants at low rates either directly from BPMV-infected soybean fields or with prior feeding on BPMV-infected plants. This is the first report of the distribution of BLB, WCR adults, and BPMV in Illinois and of BPMV transmission by adult WCR.
Identification and Characterization of Isolates of Phytophthora infestans Using Fatty Acid Methyl Ester (FAME) Profiles
Authors: Larkin Robert P. , Groves Carol L.
Published: May 2007

The utility of fatty acid profiles for characterization and differentiation of isolates of P. infestans was investigated. Two libraries of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profiles (one representing average genotype characteristics and one representing individual isolate characteristics) were established from at least eight replicate samples of each of 25 different isolates of P. infestans, including representative isolates of US-1, US-6, US-7, US-8, US-11, US-14, and US-17 genotypes. These libraries then were used to identify and characterize additional unknown isolates. Fatty acid profile characteristics also were compared with cultural and genetic characteristics of the isolates. FAME profiles for isolates of P. infestans were consistent over multiple extractions and distinctly different from profiles for isolates of other Phytophthora species, such as P. capsici and P. erythroseptica, as well as isolates of Pythium spp. and various other fungal groups. Overall, profiles from different isolates within the same genotype shared similar characteristics, although there was overlap among some genotypes. Incubation temperature, growth medium, and prolonged storage on agar media all significantly affected fatty acid profiles; however, when these conditions were kept constant, profiles were distinct, consistent, and reproducible over time. Isolate profiles were sufficiently specific that individual isolates could be distinctly identified by FAME profiles. In general, individual isolate characteristics were more determinant than genotype group characteristics, although genotype could be determined for most isolates tested. Results indicated that FAME profiles can be an additional tool useful for characterizing isolates and populations of P. infestans.
First Report of Pestalotiopsis maculans Causing Necrotic Leaf Spots in Nursery Plants of Arbutus unedo and Ceratonia siliqua in Spain
Authors: Trapero A. , Romero M. A. , Varo R. , Sánchez M. E.
Published: May 2007

Forestation of agricultural lands has led to a great increase in the production of plants in forest nurseries in southern Spain. During a disease survey of several nurseries, performed in 1998 and 1999, a necrotic leaf spot was found causing defoliation in seedlings of two mediterranean forest species, the ericaceous shrub Arbutus unedo and the leguminous tree Ceratonia siliqua. The affected plants were 9 to 24 months old and growing in fertilized peat in containers. Symptoms on both species consisted of large necrotic lesions (up to 20 mm in diameter) that were located mainly, but not exclusively, along the leaf margin. On A. unedo, necrotic spots were bordered by a red halo, while on C. siliqua the halo was dark. The fungus consistently isolated from both hosts was identified as Pestalotiopsis maculans (Corda) Nag Raj (=Pestalotiopsis guepinii), based on morphological characters (1). Acervular conidiomata (up to 200 μm in diameter) developed on the necrotic lesions of leaves incubated at 100% relative humidity and 20 to 24°C, and in cultures on potato dextrose agar (PDA) at 20 to 24°C over the course of 7 days. All isolates had 5-celled smooth conidia. Apical and basal cells were hyaline, while the three median cells were brown; the upper two were darker than the lower one. Conidia were 22 to 30 μm (mean length) and 5 to 9 μm (mean width). There were typically three (range 1 to 4) apical appendages averaging 17 μm long. The average basal appendage was 6 μm long. One-year-old seedlings and detached leaves from healthy field trees of A. unedo and C. siliqua were sprayed to runoff with an aqueous conidial suspension (106 conidia ml-1) of two isolates of the fungus. All inoculated and control plants sprayed with water only were incubated in a growth chamber at 100% relative humidity and 20 to 24°C for 48 h and then in the same growth chamber at 50 to 80% relative humidity or in the greenhouse (10 to 30°C and 40 to 80% relative humidity) until symptoms developed. Detached leaves were incubated to prevent desiccation in a humid chamber at 100% relative humidity and 20 to 24°C for 2 months. After a period of 2 to 4 months, lesions developed on all inoculated leaves but not on noninoculated controls. Lesion morphology on both hosts was similar to that observed in naturally infected plants in the nurseries. P. maculans was reisolated from lesions of all infected leaves but not from control leaves. Although other species of Pestalotiopsis have been reported infecting leaves of C. siliqua (1), to our knowledge, this is the first report of a Pestalotiopsis sp. on A. unedo and of P. maculans on C. siliqua.

Reference: (1) T. R. Nag Raj. Coelomycetous Anamorphs with Appendage-Bearing Conidia. Mycologue Publications, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, 1993.
First Detection of Phytophthora ramorum Mating Type A2 in Europe
Authors: Werres Sabine , De Merlier Daphné
Published: May 2007

Since its original isolation in 1993, Phytophthora ramorum has become an important pathogen. Initially, it was determined to be the causal agent of a twig blight of Rhododendron spp. in Germany and the Netherlands (3). Around the same period, symptoms and mortality on oak (Quercus spp.) and tanoak (Lithocarpus densiflorus) were associated with P. ramorum in California (2), where the disease was named sudden oak death. Subsequently, P. ramorum has been detected on a wide range of forest trees and shrub species in the United States. In Europe, the pathogen has spread to many countries, primarily on nursery plants of Rhododendron and Viburnum spp., and recently, on Camellia japonica, Kalmia latifolia, Pieris formosa var. forrestii, P. japonica, Leucothoe sp., Syringa vulgaris, and Taxus baccata. P. ramorum has not been observed in European forests. P. ramorum is heterothallic, and initial in vitro mating studies on agar media suggested that only the A1 mating type occurred in Europe, while only the A2 mating type was present in the United States (4). However, an isolate collected in 2002 in Belgium (1) appears to be the A2 mating type. This isolate (CBS 110901, Centraal Bureau voor Schimmelcultures, Baarn, the Netherlands) originated from an imported V. bodnantense plant at an ornamental nursery. A hyphal tip culture (BBA 26/02) of this isolate produced no oogonia on carrot piece agar after 6 weeks in pairing tests with other Phytophthora species of mating type A2. When paired with mating type A1 of P. cambivora, P. cinnamomi, P. cryptogea, and P. drechsleri, however, oogonia were observed in all pairings within 6 weeks. The number of oogonia was low in all pairings but was highest in pairings with P. cryptogea. No oospores were produced after 6 weeks between P. ramorum isolates BBA 26/02 and BBA 9/95 (from the holotype, mating type A1), but gametangia were observed when these isolates were paired on Rhododendron sp. twigs. Normal oogonia were produced on the outgrowing mycelium when pieces from these twigs were placed on carrot piece agar. The shape and size of the oogonia produced on carrot piece agar after pairing with P. cryptogea and on Rhododendron sp. twigs after pairing with P. ramorum BBA 9/95 were similar (24 to 34 μm, mean 29.6 μm and 25 to 33 μm, mean 30.6 μm, respectively). To our knowledge, this is the first observation of P. ramorum mating type A2 in Europe.

References: (1) D. De Merlier et al. Plant Dis. 87:203, 2003. (2) D. M. Rizzo et al. Plant Dis. 86:205, 2002. (3) S. Werres et al. Mycol. Res. 105:1166, 2001. (4) S. Werres and B. Zielke. J. Plant Dis. Prot. 110:129, 2003.
Characterization of Streptomycetes Causing Potato Common Scab in Korea
Authors: Park Duck Hwan , Yu Yong Man , Kim Jeom Soon , Cho Jun Mo , Hur Jang Hyun , Lim Chun Keun
Published: May 2007

Six representative Korean strains of streptomycetes (S33, S27, S71, S63, S77, and S78) that were pathogenic to potato were characterized based on phenotypic properties, analysis of 16S rRNA genes, production of thaxtomin A, and presence of nec1 and ORFtnp gene homologs. Strains S33 and S27 had typical characteristics of Streptomyces scabies and S. turgidiscabies, respectively, producing thaxtomin A and hybridizing to genes of nec1 and ORFtnp. Strain S71 produced thaxtomin A and had phenotypic and phylogenetic properties similar to those of S. acidiscabies, except having a greater minimum growth pH (4.5), production of a melanoid pigment on tyrosine agar, and failure to hybridize with nec1 and ORFtnp gene probes. In contrast, strains S63, S77, and S78 were phenotypically different from described scab pathogens. Spore colors of strains S63 and S77 were yellow-white or pale orange, respectively, with rectiflexuous chains. Strain S78 had thin and compact spores unlike typical S. acidiscabies (ATCC 49003). Phylogenetic analysis of strains S63, S77, and S78 based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed low homology to that of described scab pathogens (less than 97.3, 96.0, and 96.3%, respectively). Strain S78 produced thaxtomin A, but did not have homologous sequences to nec1 and ORFtnp genes. Production of thaxtomin A and gene homologs of nec1 and ORFtnp were not detected in strains S63 and S77. All three strains grow at low pH, with minimal growth at pH 3.5 (S77 and S78) or 4.5 (S63). Streptomyces strains S63, S77, and S78 are novel pathogenic streptomycetes adapted to acidic soil conditions in Korea.
Pathogenic Specialization and Pathotype Distribution of Puccinia hordei in Australia, 1992 to 2001
Authors: Park R. F.
Published: May 2007

Annual surveys of pathogenic variability in the leaf rust pathogen of barley, Puccinia hordei, from 1992 to 2001 revealed a significant shift in the composition of populations across Austra-lia. Virulence for the resistance gene Rph12, first detected in a single pathotype, 4610P+, in Tasmania in 1991, was subsequently detected in 1993 in South Australia, Victoria, and southern New South Wales. By the end of 2001, eight pathotypes with virulence for Rph12 had been isolated, and virulence for this gene was present in all Australian barley growing regions. Virulence was not detected for the resistance genes Rph3, Rph7, Rph11, or Rph14. The distribution and spread of the pathotypes detected, their possible origins, pathogenicity on several uncharacterized seedling resistance sources, and implications for resistance breeding are discussed.
Development of a Molecular Tool for the Diagnosis of Leprosis, a Major Threat to Citrus Production in the Americas
Authors: Locali Eliane Cristina , Freitas-Astua Juliana , de Souza Alessandra Alves , Takita Marco Aurélio , Astua-Monge Gustavo , Antonioli Renata , Kitajima Elliot W. , Machado Marcos Antonio
Published: May 2007

Citrus leprosis virus (CiLV), a tentative member of the Rhabdoviridae family, affects citrus trees in Brazil, where it is transmitted by mites Brevipalpus spp. It also occurs in other South American countries and was recently identified in Central America. This northbound spread of CiLV is being considered a serious threat to the citrus industry of the United States. However, despite its importance, difficulties related to the biology of CiLV have hindered much of the progress regarding its accurate detection, leaving both the analyses of symptoms and electron microscopy as the only tools available. An attempt to overcome this problem was made by constructing a cDNA library from double-stranded RNA extracted from leprosis lesions of infected Citrus sinensis (sweet orange) leaves. After cloning and sequencing, specific primers were designed to amplify putative CiLV genome regions with similarity to genes encoding the movement protein and replicase of other plant viruses. RNA from infected citrus plants corresponding to different varieties and locations were amplified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using the two pairs of primers. Amplified products were purified, cloned in pGEM-T, and sequenced. The sequences confirmed the genomic regions previously associated with CiLV. The results demonstrate that RT-PCR was specific, accurate, rapid, and reliable for the detection of CiLV.