bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Possible Role of Colonization and Cell Wall-Degrading Enzymes in the Differential Ability of Three Ulocladium atrum Strains to Control Botrytis cinerea on Necrotic Strawberry Leaves
Authors: Berto Philippe , Jijakli M. Haïssam , Lepoivre Philippe
Published: May 2007

Ulocladium atrum (strain 385) consistently reduced Botrytis cinerea sporulation on necrotic fragments of strawberry leaves. On these tissues, two strains of U. atrum (isolates 18558 and 18559) showed lower antagonistic activities than the reference strain 385. Colonization of strawberry leaflets by the three U. atrum strains appeared similar in the absence of B. cinerea, whether quantified by chitin or immunological assays. The second method (based on anti-U. atrum antibodies) revealed that strawberry leaflet colonization by U. atrum 385 was better than by the other U. atrum strains in the presence of B. cinerea. An immunoassay using anti-B. cinerea antibodies revealed that the colonization of B. cinerea in tissues was lower in the presence of U. atrum 385 than with the two other U. atrum strains. The enzymatic activities produced by U. atrum 385 during the colonization phases of necrotic tissues were compared to B. cinerea and U. atrum strains 18558 and 18559. U. atrum 385 had the highest lipase, pectate lyase, and cellobiase activities while B. cinerea had the highest endo-β-1,4-glucanase activity. The study of lytic activities hydrolyzing the fungal cell wall revealed higher β-1,3-glucanase activity with U. atrum 385, which was stimulated by B. cinerea on necrotic strawberry leaflets. These results suggest that plant and fungal cell wall-degrading enzymes produced by U. atrum 385 may play a complementary role in the competitive colonization of dead strawberry leaves against B. cinerea.
Nonphytotoxic Aluminum-Peat Complexes Suppress Phytophthora parasitica
Authors: Fichtner E. J. , Hesterberg D. L. , Shew H. D.
Published: May 2007

Amendment of peat-based potting media with Al2(SO4)3 suppresses damping-off of Vinca (Catharanthus roseus) caused by Phytophthora parasitica. The species of aluminum (Al) responsible for disease suppression have not been identified. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of amount and pH of Al2(SO4)3 amendment solutions on survival of P. parasitica. In separate experiments, peat was amended with Al2(SO4)3 solutions adjusted to pH 4 or 6 at either 0.0158 or 0.0079 g of Al per gram of peat. Amended peat was placed in Büchner funnels maintained at -2.5 kPa matric potential. Peat was infested with P. parasitica by placing zero, two, or five colonized Vinca leaf disks in each funnel, and 15 Vinca seeds were placed in each funnel. After 24 h, the matric potential was brought to 0 kPa to induce zoospore release and returned to -2.5 kPa after 24 h. Pathogen populations and stand counts were assessed after 2-week incubation. Al amendment solutions at both pH 4 and 6 reduced pathogen populations at 0.0158 g of Al per gram of peat. Solutions at pH 4 reduced pathogen populations by more than 90% at both inoculum levels; amendment solutions at pH 6 reduced populations by 95% at the low inoculum level and 65% at the high inoculum level. The prevalence of Al(OH)2+ in peat amended with Al2(SO4)3 solution at pH 6 suggests that ions other than Al3+ may be responsible for pathogen suppression. Based on the difference in chemical conditions of Al-amended peat and suppressive mineral soils, the mechanism of Al-mediated suppression of plant pathogens is speculated to be different in the two systems. Peat containing Al-peat complexes was chemically suppressive to P. parasitica and may confer Al-mediated suppression of plant pathogens with a nonphytotoxic form of Al.
Formation of Ligno-Suberized Tissues in Jack Pine Resistant to the European Race of Gremmeniella abietina
Authors: Simard M. , Rioux D. , Laflamme G.
Published: May 2007

A histological study was conducted to provide insights into the defense mechanisms of Pinus banksiana resistant to the European (EU) race of Gremmeniella abietina in naturally infected sites. At the time of sampling, the only apparent symptom was a blight induced at the tip of the shoots. The identity of G. abietina during microscopic examinations was confirmed by an immunogold labeling method. Once the fungus had succeeded in penetrating the bracts through stomata, it invaded the stem cortex and the phloem cells and attained the vascular cambium. The progression of the pathogen to the pith was possible principally through intense colonization of needle traces but also by the invasion of the rays. Ligno-suberized tissues confining the pathogen within the necrotic area were revealed by histochemical tests. Well-defined boundaries were initiated at the base of healthy needles and at the vascular cambium level. They regularly formed one continuous suberized barrier completely crossing the shoot from one needle to the other. A nonlamellar form of suberin was observed in transmission electron microscopy. Restoration of cambial activities and tissue regeneration following necrophylactic periderm formation were suggested as essential factors in the defense system of P. banksiana against the EU race of G. abietina. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of an anatomical defense mechanism of a conifer against Scleroderris canker.
DNA Fingerprint Probe from Mycosphaerella graminicola Identifies an Active Transposable Element
Authors: Goodwin Stephen B. , Cavaletto Jessica R. , Waalwijk Cees , Kema Gert H. J.
Published: May 2007

DNA fingerprinting has been used extensively to characterize populations of Mycosphaerella graminicola, the Septoria tritici blotch pathogen of wheat. The highly polymorphic DNA fingerprints of Mycosphaerella graminicola were assumed to reflect the action of transposable elements. However, there was no direct evidence to support that conclusion. To test the transposable element hypothesis, the DNA fingerprint probe pSTL70 was sequenced, along with three other clones from a subgenomic library that hybridized with pSTL70. Analysis of these sequences revealed that pSTL70 contains the 3′ end of a reverse transcriptase sequence plus 29- and 79-bp direct repeats. These are characteristics of transposable elements identified in other organisms. Southern analyses indicated that either the direct-repeat or reverse-transcriptase sequences by themselves essentially duplicated the original DNA fingerprint pattern, but other portions of pSTL70 contained single-copy DNA. Analysis of 60 progeny from a sexual cross between two Dutch isolates of Mycosphaerella graminicola identified several new bands that were not present in the parents. Thus, the putative transposable element probably is active during meiosis. Tests of single-spore isolates revealed gains or losses of one or more DNA fingerprint bands in 4 out of 10 asexual lines derived from isolate IPO94269. Therefore, DNA fingerprint patterns produced by the putative transposable element were capable of changes during asexual reproduction of this isolate. Probe pSTL70 did not hybridize at high stringency to genomic DNAs from other fungi related to Septoria and Mycosphaerella. These results indicate that the DNA fingerprint probe pSTL70 most likely identifies a transposable element in Mycosphaerella graminicola that may have been acquired recently, and appears to be active during both sexual and asexual reproduction.
Identification of Plum pox virus Determinants Implicated in Specific Interactions with Different Prunus spp.
Authors: Dallot Sylvie , Quiot-Douine Laurence , Sáenz Pilar , Cervera Maria Teresa , García Juan-Antonio , Quiot Jean-Bernard
Published: May 2007

The characterization of pathogenic properties of two infectious clones of Plum pox virus (PPV) isolates, pGPPV (D group) and pGPPVPS (M group), was investigated in their woody hosts (seedlings of Prunus spp.). The two clones differed in their ability to infect plum and peach cultivars, from no infection to local and systemic infection. The phenotype determinants were located with a set of chimeric viruses from the two clones. In plum, determinants of systemic infection were located in a genomic fragment encoding the P3 and 6K1 proteins, which might influence genome amplification or virus movement. The capacity of pGPPVPS to induce stable local and systemic infections in peach was not located accurately and might be influenced by multiple determinants carried by different regions of the genome, excluding those encoding the protein 1, the majority of helper component, nuclear inclusions a and b, and coat protein. We conclude that PPV infections of plum and peach are governed by different determinants.
Dynamic Multiline Population Approach to Resistance Gene Management
Authors: Wilson J. P. , Gates R. N. , Panwar M. S.
Published: May 2007

The dynamic multiline population breeding strategy integrates principles from the gene stacking and multiline approaches and allows application of the multiline strategy to cross-pollinated hybrid crops. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the breeding approach. Backcross derivatives of pearl millet Tift 23DB were developed with rust resistance from 18 Burkina Faso landraces, 3 Pennisetum glaucum subsp. monodii accessions, and 2 elite inbreds (1 from India and 1 from the United States). Four cycles of open pollination were made, the last two in the field in rust epidemics. Cytoplasmic male-sterile (CMS) counterparts of the populations in the A4 cytoplasm were included and advanced simultaneously with the B population. Hybrids with Tift 383 were produced on CMS cycles 1 (C1) through C4. Frequency of hybrid seedlings with resistance increased with each cycle, and frequencies averaged 18 to 38% in C1 to C4 hybrids, respectively, when inoculated with five single-uredinium isolates of Puccinia substriata var. indica. The hybrid populations and Tifleaf (TL)1 and TL2 were evaluated in three yield trials in 1998 to 1999. Disease-free forage dry matter yields did not differ among hybrids. Across trials, area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) of TL1 and TL2 averaged 1,307, C1 and C2 averaged 914, and C3 and C4 averaged 604. Final severities of TL1 and TL2 averaged 67%, C1 and C2 averaged 47%, and C3 and C4 averaged 30%. When analyzed by regression analysis, AUDPC was reduced 12.2%, final rust severity was reduced 13.3%, and digestible biomass was increased 4.1% per cycle.
Detection and Partial Characterization of a Second Closterovirus Associated with Little Cherry Disease, Little cherry virus-2
Authors: Rott M. E. , Jelkmann W.
Published: May 2007

Little cherry disease (LChD) is a complex and serious viral disease of cherry. Although originally described almost 70 years ago, there has been little progress in identifying the causal agent of the disease due to the difficulty in obtaining purified virus from infected trees. This problem was partially overcome in 1997 when the compete sequence of a closterovirus associated with LChD, Little cherry virus (LChV), was published. This virus could be associated with some, but not all, trees with LChD, indicating that another virus was also involved. We report here the partial characterization of a second closterovirus associated with LChD, Little cherry virus-2 (LChV-2), and in order to differentiate the two LChD-associated viruses, we refer to LChV as Little cherry virus-1 (LChV-1). LChV-2 is a new closterovirus with molecular similarities to Grapevine leafroll-associated virus-1 (GLRaV-1) and GLRaV-3 but only distantly related to LChV-1. Based on limited sequence comparisons, LChV-2 is the same virus previously identified in association with LChD in Canada. In reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction detection assays using specific oligonucleotide primers to either LChV-1 or LChV-2, 27 of 28 isolates of LChD tested positive to one or both of these viruses originating from Europe and North America. These results would further confirm the association of LChV-2 with LChD. One isolate, however, tested negative to both LChV-1 and LChV-2, indicating that while this report brings us a step closer to understanding LChD, further work is required to confirm the causal agents of LChD.
Sequential Sampling to Assess the Incidence of Infection byMonilinia vaccinii-corymbosiin Mechanically Harvested Rabbiteye Blueberry Fruit
Authors: Copes W. E. , Scherm H. , Ware G. O.
Published: May 2007

Blueberry fruit infected by Monilinia vaccinii-corymbosi, the causal agent of mummy berry disease, are unsuitable for use in processed food products. Fruit shipments that exceed a disease incidence threshold of 0.5% are redirected to alternative markets with substantial reductions in economic return to the producer. Because of this low tolerance, a sampling procedure with defined statistical properties is needed to determine disease incidence in the packinghouse. In this study, a sequential sampling plan was developed based on counts and dispersion patterns of infected fruit in 23 loads of mechanically harvested rabbiteye blueberries. Each load was sampled 20 to 100 times, with each sample containing 550 cm3of fruit. Various dispersion statistics (k of the negative binomial distribution, Lloyd' index of patchiness, and Iwao' b) were computed, all of which suggested aggregation of infected fruit. Because k was variable across loads, Iwao' regression procedure, which does not assume a single frequency distribution with fixed parameters describing the counts of infected fruit, was used to develop upper and lower stop lines for sequential sampling. For α = 0.05 and assuming a total of 250 fruit per 550-cm3sample, the resulting sampling plan would require only one sample to conclude that a load exceeds the threshold if the number of infected fruit in that sample is greater than four. A minimum of six samples would be needed to conclude that disease incidence in a load is below the threshold if the cumulative total of infected fruit in these samples is zero. Resampling analysis showed that most fruit loads could be classified reliably with <10 samples per load; for loads with a disease incidence very close to the 0.5% threshold, <50 samples were needed on average. Stop lines for sequential sampling for different fruit size classes are presented.
Secreted Phosphatase Activities in Trypanosomatid Parasites of Plants Modulated by Platelet-Activating Factor
Authors: Dutra P. M. L. , Dias F. A. , Santos M. A. A. , Rodrigues C. O. , Romeiro A. , Attias M. , De Souza W. , Lopes A. H. C. S. , Meyer-Fernandes J. R.
Published: May 2007

The secreted phosphatase activities of two trypanosomatid parasites were characterized and compared with supernatants of living cells. The plant parasite Phytomonas françai and the phytophagous hemipteran parasite Herpetomonas sp. hydrolyzed p-nitrophenylphosphate at a rate of 15.54 and 6.51 nmol Pi/mg of protein per min, respectively. Sodium orthovanadate (NaVO3) and sodium fluoride (NaF) decreased the phosphatase activities. The phosphatase activity of P. françai was drastically diminished (73% inhibition) in the presence of sodium tartrate, whereas the phosphatase activity of Herpetomonas sp. was inhibited by 23%. Cytochemical analysis showed the localization of these enzymes on the external surface and in the flagellar pocket of the two trypanosomatids. Sodium tartrate inhibited this reaction, confirming the biochemical data. Platelet-activating factor modulated the phosphatase activities, inhibiting P. françai activity and stimulating Herpetomonas sp. phosphatase activity.
Differential Colonization of Tomato Roots by Nonpathogenic and Pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum Strains May Influence Fusarium Wilt Control
Authors: Bao Jian R. , Lazarovits George
Published: May 2007

Histochemical staining, β-glucuronidase (GUS) activity, or placing roots on agar were methods used to characterize interactions between the pathogenic fungus, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, and the nonpathogenic biocontrol F. oxysporum strain 70T01 with respect to colonization behaviors, interaction sites, and population densities on tomato roots. Mycelia of strain 70T01, a genetic transformant expressing stable GUS activity, hygromycin B resistance, and effective disease control, were localized in epidermal and cortex cell layers of tomato roots in a discontinuous and uneven pattern. In contrast, mycelia of F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici were found in the vascular bundles. Thus, direct interactions between the two fungi likely happen in the root surface cell layers. Colonization density of strain 70T01 was related to the inoculation density but decreased with distance from the inoculation site. Host defense reactions, including increased cell wall thickness or papilla deposits, were adjacent to 70T01 hyphae. Experiments done in soil showed that strain 70T01 densities in roots were highest at inoculation zones and barely detectable for root segments more than 2 cm away from the inoculation sites. F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici densities were lowest at 70T01 inoculation zones and highest (>10 times) where strain 70T01 was not directly applied. Newly elongating roots where strain 70T01 did not reach were available for infection by the pathogen. The higher strain 70T01 density was always found when the plants were simultaneously infected by F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, suggesting that F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici has as much influence in predisposing the plant to colonization by strain 70T01 as strain 70T01 has on providing disease protection against the pathogen.
Identification and Origin of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris Races and Related Pathovars
Authors: Vicente J. G. , Conway J. , Roberts S. J. , Taylor J. D.
Published: May 2007

One hundred sixty-four isolates of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris and other X. campestris pathovars known to infect cruciferous hosts (X. campestris pvs. aberrans, raphani, armoraciae, and incanae) were inoculated onto a differential series of Brassica spp. to determine both pathogenicity to brassicas and race. Of these, 144 isolates were identified as X. campestris pv. campestris and grouped into six races, with races 1 (62%) and 4 (32%) being predominant. Other races were rare. The remaining 20 isolates from brassicas and other cruciferous hosts were either nonpathogenic or very weakly pathogenic on the differential series and could not be race-typed. Five of these isolates, from the ornamental crucifers wallflower (Cheiranthus cheiri), stock (Matthiola incana) and candytuft (Iberis sp.), showed clear evidence of pathovar-like specificity to the hosts of origin. A gene-for-gene model based on the interaction of four avirulence genes in X. campestris pv. campestris races and four matching resistance genes in the differential hosts is proposed. Knowledge of the race structure and worldwide distribution of races is fundamental to the search for sources of resistance and for the establishment of successful resistance breeding programs.
Use of Heteroduplex Mobility Assay for Identification and Differentiation of Phytoplasmas in the Aster Yellows Group and the Clover Proliferation Group
Authors: Wang Keri , Hiruki Chuji
Published: May 2007

This paper describes the identification and differentiation of phytoplasmas by a highly sensitive diagnostic technique, DNA heteroduplex mobility assay (HMA). Closely related phytoplasma isolates of clover proliferation (CP), potato witches'-broom (PWB), and alfalfa witches'-broom (AWB) were collected from the field from 1990 to 1999. The entire 16S rRNA gene and 16/23S spacer region were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from the field samples and standard CP, PWB, and AWB phytoplasmas and were subjected to restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis and HMA. Two subgroups (I and II) of phytoplasmas in the CP group were identified by HMA but not by RFLP analysis. The results were confirmed by 16/23S spacer region sequence data analysis. After HMA analyses of the PCR-amplified 16/23S spacer region, 14 phytoplasma isolates from field samples were classified into two aster yellows subgroups: subgroup I, phytoplasma isolates from China aster (Callistephus chinensis) yellows, French marigold (Tagetes patula) yellows, cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus cv. Dazzler) yellows, clarkia (Clarkia unguiculata) yellows, California poppy (Eschscholzia californica cv. Tai Silk) yellows, monarda (Monarda fistulosa) yellows, and strawflower (Helichrysum bracteatum) yellows; and subgroup II, phytoplasma isolates from zinnia (Zinnia elegans cv. Dahlia Flower) yellows, Queen-Annes-Lace (Daucus carota) yellows, scabiosa (Scabiosa atropurpurea cv. Giant Imperial) yellows, Swan River daisy (Brachycombe multifida cv. Misty Pink) yellows, pot marigold (Calendula officinalis) yellows, purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) yellows, and feverfew (Chrysanthemum parthenium) yellows. The results indicate that HMA is a simple, rapid, highly sensitive and accurate method not only for identifying and classifying phytoplasmas but also for studying the molecular epidemiology of phytoplasmas.
The Dynamics of Mefenoxam Insensitivity in a Recombining Population of Phytophthora capsici Characterized with Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism Markers
Authors: Lamour K. H. , Hausbeck M. K.
Published: May 2007

Recent findings from Michigan suggest that recombination may play a role in the survival and evolution of sensitivity to the fungicide mefenoxam in populations of Phytophthora capsici on cucurbit hosts. In 1998, 63 mefenoxam insensitive isolates were recovered from a squash field in which mefenoxam had been applied. Additional isolates were recovered from untreated squash fields planted at this location in 1999 (200 isolates) and the spring of 2000 (34 isolates). Isolates from 1998 and 1999 were characterized using fluorescent amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers and all isolates were screened for compatibility type and mefenoxam sensitivity. In 1998 and 1999, 92 and 71% of the isolates, respectively, had unique multilocus AFLP genotypes with no identical isolates recovered between years. Seventy-two identical AFLP markers were clearly resolved in both the 1998 and 1999 sample sets, and fixation indices for the 37 polymorphic AFLP loci indicate little differentiation between years. There was no decrease in the frequency of resistant isolates during the 2 years without mefenoxam selection. We conclude that oospores play a key role in overwintering and that the frequency of mefenoxam insensitivity may not decrease in an agriculturally significant time period (2 years) once mefenoxam selection pressure is removed.
Oospore Formation by Phytophthora infestans in Potato Tubers
Authors: Levin Aaron , Baider Alexander , Rubin Evgenia , Gisi Ulrich , Cohen Yigal
Published: May 2007

The ability of Phytophthora infestans, the causal agent of potato and tomato late blight, to produce oospores in potato tuber tissue was studied in the field and under laboratory conditions. In 1998 and 2000 field experiments, the canopy of potato cvs. Alpha and Mondial, respectively, were coinoculated with A1 + A2 sporangia of the fungus, and the infected tubers collected at harvest were examined for the presence of oospores. In 1998, only 2 of 90 infected tubers had oospores, whereas none of the 90 tubers examined in 2000 had any oospores. In the latter experiment, infected tubers kept in storage up to 12 weeks after harvest had no oospores. Artificial co-inoculations of whole tubers with A1 + A2 sporangia resulted only rarely in the formation of oospores inside the tubers. Co-inoculations of potato tuber discs taken from dormant tubers 0 to 16 weeks after harvest failed to support any oospore production, whereas discs taken from sprouting tubers of ≥18 weeks after harvest allowed oospores to form. Tuber discs showed enhanced oospore formation when treated before inoculation with either sugars, amino acids, casein hydrolysate, β-sitosterol, or chloroethylphosphonic acid. In contrast, reducing airflow into the petri dishes where potato tuber discs were incubated reduced the number of oospores produced. The number of oospores produced in tuber tissue was lower compared with that in leaf tissue regardless of the origin of isolates used. The data show that the ability of Phytophthora infestans to produce oospores in potato tuber tissue is very limited and increases with tuber aging.
An Evaluation of the Genetic Diversity of Xylella fastidiosa Isolated from Diseased Citrus and Coffee in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Qin Xiaoting , Miranda Vicente S. , Machado Marcos A. , Lemos Eliana G. M. , Hartung John S.
Published: May 2007

Strains of Xylella fastidiosa, isolated from sweet orange trees (Citrus sinensis) and coffee trees (Coffea arabica) with symptoms of citrus variegated chlorosis and Requeima do Café, respectively, were indistinguishable based on repetitive extragenic palindromic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus PCR assays. These strains were also indistinguishable with a previously described PCR assay that distinguished the citrus strains from all other strains of Xylella fastidiosa. Because we were not able to document any genomic diversity in our collection of Xylella fastidiosa strains isolated from diseased citrus, the observed gradient of increasing disease severity from southern to northern regions of São Paulo State is unlikely due to the presence of significantly different strains of the pathogen in the different regions. When comparisons were made to reference strains of Xylella fastidiosa isolated from other hosts using these methods, four groups were consistently identified consistent with the hosts and regions from which the strains originated: citrus and coffee, grapevine and almond, mulberry, and elm, plum, and oak. Independent results from random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) PCR assays were also consistent with these results; however, two of the primers tested in RAPD-PCR were able to distinguish the coffee and citrus strains. Sequence comparisons of a PCR product amplified from all strains of Xylella fastidiosa confirmed the presence of a CfoI polymorphism that can be used to distinguish the citrus strains from all others. The ability to distinguish Xylella fastidiosa strains from citrus and coffee with a PCR-based assay will be useful in epidemiological and etiological studies of this pathogen.
Sensitivity of Wheat Genotypes to a Toxic Fraction Produced by Cephalosporium gramineum and Correlation with Disease Susceptibility
Authors: Rahman M. , Mundt C. C. , Wolpert T. J. , Riera-Lizarazu O.
Published: May 2007

Cephalosporium stripe is an important disease of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) in several areas of the world, especially where stubble mulch and early seeding are practiced to maintain soil moisture and prevent erosion. We developed a procedure to mass-produce a toxic fraction produced by Cephalosporium gramineum through a modification of the method of Kobayashi and Ui. Exposure of excised wheat leaves to a concentration of 60 μl/ml of the toxic fraction for 72 h produced distinct wilting symptoms that allowed us to distinguish toxin-sensitive wheat genotypes in a repeatable manner. Twenty wheat genotypes belonging to four distinct germ plasm groups (common, club, durum, and synthetic) were evaluated. Variation in toxin sensitivity of wheat genotypes was mostly at the level of the germ plasm group, and all differences among the four germ plasm groups were highly significant (P < 0.001) based on linear contrasts. Seventeen winter wheat genotypes representing the common, club, and durum germ plasm groups were planted in C. gramineum-infested fields at two locations. The logarithm of the percentage of tillers showing whitehead symptoms at each of the two locations was significantly (P < 0.0001) correlated with wilting symptoms measured by the toxin assay (r = 0.80 and 0.84). The common wheat genotypes were all sensitive to the toxic fraction, but showed a substantial range of disease reactions in the field. However, we found no case of a toxin-insensitive genotype being susceptible in the field. These results suggest that toxin insensitivity may be an important mechanism of resistance to Cephalosporium stripe, but that other mechanisms are operative as well. The toxin assay may be useful as an initial screening procedure to reduce the number of genotypes to be tested in the field.
Cytological Analysis of Defense-Related Mechanisms Induced in Pea Root Tissues in Response to Colonization by Nonpathogenic Fusarium oxysporum Fo47
Authors: Benhamou Nicole , Garand Chantal
Published: May 2007

The ability of nonpathogenic Fusarium oxysporum, strain Fo47, to trigger plant defense reactions was investigated using Ri T-DNA-transformed pea roots. Cytological investigations of strain Fo47-inoculated roots showed that the fungus grew actively at the root surface and colonized a number of epidermal and cortical cells, inducing marked host cell metabolic changes. In roots inoculated with pathogenic F. oxysporum f. sp. pisi, the pathogen multiplied abundantly through much of the tissues, whereas in Fo47-inoculated roots, fungal growth was restricted to the epidermis and the outer cortex. Invading cells of strain Fo47 suffered from serious alterations, a phenomenon that was not observed in control roots in which F. oxysporum f. sp. pisi grew so actively that the vascular stele was invaded within a few days. Strain Fo47 establishment in the root tissues resulted in a massive elaboration of hemispherical wall appositions and in the deposition of an electron-opaque material frequently encircling pathogen hyphae and accumulating in the noninfected xylem vessels. This suggests that the host roots were signaled to defend themselves through the rapid stimulation of a general cascade of nonspecific defense responses. The specific relationship established between strain Fo47 and the root tissues is discussed in relation to other types of plant-fungus interactions, including pathogenic and symbiotic associations.
Ranges and Diversity of Soybean Fungal Diseases in North America
Authors: Yang X. B. , Feng F.
Published: May 2007

Introduced in 1765, soybean is the second largest crop in North America and is grown over a diverse agroecosystem that covers a geographic area of 2,300 km in north-south (N-S) and 2,400 km in east-west (E-W) directions (latitude 28°33 to 48°33′N, longitude 74°W to 103°02′W). The diversity and the distribution ranges of soybean fungal diseases in this agroecosystem were examined and several geographic patterns were identified. Disease diversity measured by the number of diseases per latitudinal breadth had a gradient that decreased as latitude increased. Diseases with ranges centered at higher latitudes had greater geographic ranges in the N-S direction. Disease diversity measured by number of diseases per longitudinal breadth decreased from E-W. Significant linear relationships between disease diversity and planting area were found. A region centered around the Delta Area (approximately 36 to 39°N and 88 to 91°W), which is a transition area of three rainfall regime regions of the continent and is an area of confluence of the Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio rivers, had the highest disease diversity in this agroecosystem.
Serological and Molecular Characterization of Peanut chlorotic fan-spot virus, a New Species of the Genus Tospovirus
Authors: Chu Fang-Hua , Chao Chia-Hung , Peng Ying-Cheh , Lin Shih-Shun , Chen Ching-Chung , Yeh Shyi-Dong
Published: May 2007

To clarify the serological relationship of Peanut chlorotic fan-spot virus (PCFV) with other tospoviruses, antisera were produced against the nucleocapsid (N) proteins of this virus and tospoviruses from four serogroups including Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV), Impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV), Groundnut ringspot virus (GRSV), and Watermelon silver mottle virus (WSMoV). In immunodiffusion tests, the antisera only reacted with their homologous antigens. Similar results were noticed in indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblot tests, with the exception that strong cross-reactions were observed in heterologous combinations between TSWV and GRSV. The results indicated that the N protein of PCFV is not serologically related to those of the tospoviruses from the four serogroups. To further characterize the virus, viral S double-stranded RNA was extracted from PCFV-infected Chenopodium quinoa and used for cDNA cloning and sequencing. The full-length viral strand of the S RNA was determined to be 2,833 nucleotides, with an inverted repeat at the 5′ and 3′ ends and two open reading frames in an ambisense arrangement. The 3′-terminal sequence (5′-AUUGCUCU-3′) of the viral S RNA is identical to those of other tospoviruses, indicating that PCFV belongs to the genus Tospovirus. The N and the NSs proteins of PCFV share low amino acid identities (22.3 to 67.5% and 19.3 to 54.2%) with those of reported tospoviruses, respectively. The phylogenetic dendrogram of the N gene of PCFV compared with those of other tospoviruses indicates that PCFV is distinct from other tospoviruses. In hybridization analyses, an N gene cDNA probe of PCFV did not react with viral RNAs of TSWV, GRSV, INSV, and WSMoV, and vice versa. Thus, based on these results, we conclude that PCFV is a new tospovirus species.
Factors Affecting Latent Infection of Prune Fruit by Monilinia fructicola
Authors: Luo Yong , Michailides Themis J.
Published: May 2007

Experiments were conducted in three prune orchards in California. In each orchard, inoculations with Monilinia fructicola, the causal agent of brown rot of stone fruits, were performed on branches of trees at bloom and fruit developmental stages. Five inoculum concentrations were used in each inoculation. Six and four wetness durations were created for each inoculum concentration at bloom and fruit developmental stages, respectively. Fruit were harvested 3 weeks before commercial harvest. The overnight freezing incubation technique was used to promote sporulation and to determine incidence of latent infection (ILI) of fruit brown rot. No differences in ILI among locations were found. A seasonal pattern of bloom and fruit susceptibility to latent infection was determined. Susceptibility to latent infection at bloom stage was at a moderate level and increased to reach the highest level at pit hardening stage. Subsequently, fruit susceptibility to latent infection decreased, reaching the lowest level in early June at embryo growth stage. Thereafter, the susceptibility increased again with fruit development and maturity until harvest. Linear relationships between ILI and inoculum concentration were obtained for most combinations of growth stage and wetness duration. Incidence of latent infection increased linearly with increased wetness duration at bloom stage and increased exponentially with increased wetness duration at early and late fruit developmental stages. The optimum temperatures for latent infection at pit hardening stage ranged from 14 to 18°C, but the effect of temperature on latent infection was reduced at resistant stages. The temperature range favorable to latent infection varied for different wetness durations.
Population Structure of Phytophthora infestans in the Toluca Valley Region of Central Mexico
Authors: Grünwald Niklaus J. , Flier Wilbert G. , Sturbaum Anne K. , Garay-Serrano Edith , van den Bosch Trudy B. M. , Smart Christine D. , Matuszak John M. , Lozoya-Saldaña H. , Turkensteen Lod J. , Fry William E.
Published: May 2007

We tested the hypothesis that the population of Phytophthora infestans in the Toluca valley region is genetically differentiated according to habitat. Isolates were sampled in three habitats from (i) wild Solanum spp. (WILD), (ii) land-race varieties in low-input production systems (RURAL), and (iii) modern cultivars in high-input agriculture (VALLEY). Isolates were sampled in 1988-89 (n= 179) and in 1997-98 (n= 389). In both sampling periods, the greatest genetic diversity was observed in RURAL and VALLEY habitats. Based on the Glucose-6-phosphate isomerase and Peptidase allozymes, the subpopulations from the three habitats were significantly differentiated in both sampling periods. In contrast to allozyme data for 1997-98, no differences were found among the three subpopulations for sensitivity to metalaxyl. Two groups of isolates identical for allozyme and mating type were further investigated by restriction fragment length polymorphism fingerprinting; 65% of one group and 85% of another group were demonstrated to be unique. The genetic diversity data and the chronology of disease occurrence during the season are consistent with the hypothesis that populations of P. infestans on wild Solanum populations are derived from populations on cultivated potatoes in the central highlands of Mexico near Toluca.
Biological and Genomic Sequence Characterization of Maize streak virus Isolates from Wheat
Authors: Willment J. A. , Martin D. P. , Van der Walt E. , Rybicki E. P.
Published: May 2007

Maize streak virus (MSV) is best known as the causal agent of maize streak disease. However, only a genetically uniform subset of the viruses within this diverse species is actually capable of producing severe symptoms in maize. Whereas these “maize-type” viruses all share greater than 95% sequence identity, MSV strains isolated from grasses may share as little as 79% sequence identity with the maize-type viruses. Here, we present the complete genome sequences and biological characterization of two MSV isolates from wheat that share ≈89% sequence identity with the maize-type viruses. Clonal populations of these two isolates, named MSV-Tas and MSV-VW, were leafhopper-transmitted to Digitaria sanguinalis and a range of maize, wheat, and barley genotypes. Whereas the two viruses showed some differences in their pathogenicity in maize, they were both equally pathogenic in D. sanguinalis and the various wheat and barley genotypes tested. Phylogenetic analyses involving the genome sequences of MSV-Tas and MSV-VW, a new maize-type virus also fully sequenced in this study (MSV-VM), and all other available African streak virus sequences, indicated that MSV-Tas and MSV-VW are close relatives that together represent a distinct MSV strain. Sequence analyses revealed that MSV-VM has a recombinant genome containing MSV-Tas/VW-like sequences within its movement protein gene.
Production and Germination of Conidia of Trichoderma stromaticum, a Mycoparasite of Crinipellis perniciosa on Cacao
Authors: Sanogo S. , Pomella A. , Hebbar P. K. , Bailey B. , Costa J. C. B. , Samuels G. J. , Lumsden R. D.
Published: May 2007

Growth characteristics of the fungus Trichoderma stromaticum, a mycoparasite on the mycelium and fruiting bodies of Crinipellis perniciosa, the causal agent of witches'-broom disease of cacao, were evaluated under controlled environmental conditions. The ability of T. stromaticum to produce conidia and germinate on dry brooms was evaluated at three constant temperatures (20, 25, and 30°C) and two constant relative humidities (75 and 100%). T. stromaticum produced abundant conidia on brooms at 100% relative humidity and incubation temperatures of 20 and 25°C, but none at 30°C. Sporulation of T. stromaticum was not observed at 75% relative humidity at any temperature. At 100% relative humidity and either at 20 or 25°C, treatment of brooms with T. stromaticum suppressed C. perniciosa within 7 days. In contrast, at 30°C, treatment with T. stromaticum had no effect on the pathogen in brooms maintained at either 75 or 100% relative humidity. Mycelium of C. perniciosa grew from brooms at all temperatures at 100% relative humidity. Conidial germination on broom tissue approximated 80% at temperatures from 20 to 30°C. Results suggest that applying T. stromaticum under high-moisture conditions when the air temperature is below 30°C may enhance the establishment of this mycoparasite in cacao plantations.
Strawberry Anthracnose: Histopathology ofColletotrichum acutatumandC. fragariae
Authors: Curry Kenneth J. , Abril Maritza , Avant Jana B. , Smith Barbara J.
Published: May 2007

Ontogeny of the invasion process by Colletotrichum acutatum and C. fragariae was studied on petioles and stolons of the strawberry cultivar Chandler using light and electron microscopy. The invasion of host tissue by each fungal species was similar; however, each invasion event occurred more rapidly with C. fragariae than with C. acutatum. Following cuticular penetration via an appressorium, subsequent steps of invasion involved hyphal growth within the cuticle and within the cell walls of epidermal, subepidermal, and subtending cells. Both species of fungi began invasion with a brief biotrophic phase before entering an extended necrotrophic phase. Acervuli formed once the cortical tissue had been moderately disrupted and began with the development of a stroma just beneath the outer periclinal epidermal walls. Acervuli erupted through the cuticle and released conidia. Invasion of the vascular tissue typically occurred after acervulus maturation and remained minimal. Chitin distribution in walls of C. fragariae was visualized with gold-labeled wheat germ agglutinin. The outer layer of bilayered walls of conidia, germ tubes, and appressoria contained less chitin than unilayered hyphae in planta.
Sources and Genetics of Crown Rust Resistance in Barley
Authors: Jin Y. , Steffenson B. J.
Published: May 2007

Crown rust, caused by Puccinia coronata var. hordei, is a new disease threat to barley in the Great Plains region of the United States. Deployment of resistant cultivars is the only economically viable option for the control of this disease. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the sources and genetics of crown rust resistance in barley. A geographically diverse sample of barley germ plasm collected around the world (526 accessions total) was evaluated at the seedling stage to P. coronata var. hordei, and only 10 accessions (1.9% of the total) were found resistant. These 10 accessions were also resistant at the adult plant stage in a greenhouse test. Three F2 populations (Bowman × Hor2596, MR × Hor2596, and MD × Hor2596) were developed to study the inheritance of crown rust resistance in the resistant line Hor2596 (CIho 1243). A close fit to a 3:1 ratio of resistant/susceptible plants was observed in all three populations and is consistent with the segregation of a single resistance gene. F1 plants from the Bowman × Hor2596 population exhibited slightly higher infection types than the resistant parent, indicating incomplete dominance. The locus symbol Rpc1 and allele symbol Rpc1.a were recommended for the crown rust resistance gene in Hor2596. An attempt was made to associate the Rpc1 locus with one of the seven barley chromosomes by analyzing linkage data with previously mapped morphological markers in crosses with multiple recessive (MR) and multiple dominant (MD) morphological marker stocks. However, no close linkages were detected between Rpc1 and the 20 morphological markers present in the marker stocks. The resistant accessions identified in this study should be useful to breeders for developing barley germ plasm with crown rust resistance.
Rapid Diagnosis of Pseudomonas syringae pv. papulans, the Causal Agent of Blister Spot of Apple, by Polymerase Chain Reaction Using Specifically Designed hrpL Gene Primers
Authors: Kerkoud Mohamed , Manceau Charles , Paulin Jean Pierre
Published: May 2007

The identification and detection of Pseudomonas syringae pv. papulans, the causal agent of blister spot of apple, on apple leaves and fruit was achieved by polymerase chain reaction amplification of a specific DNA fragment of the hrpL sequence. The consensus primers hrpL1 and hrpL2 were designed based on the alignment of pseudomonad hrpL gene sequences available in nucleic acid data banks. This primer set produced a 631-bp amplicon from 37 of the 57 pseudomonads strains tested. These strains belonged to genomospecies 1 and 2, as described by Gardan et al. (8). The amplicon obtained from 30 of these strains was digested with eight restriction enzymes. Three different restriction patterns were produced from strains belonging to genomospecies 1, resulting in A1 and A2 patterns, while strains belonging to genomospecies 2 were characterized by a B pattern. Patterns A1 and A2 differed at only two sites, a Bsp 143I site located at nucleotide 360 and a MseI site located at nucleotides 22–24. Group A2 consisted solely of P. syringae pv. papulans strains. The hrpL gene in P. syringae pv. papulans strain CFBP3323 was sequenced. Two primer sets, Pap1/Pap2 and Pap1/Pap3, were designed and tested for specificity to P. syringae pv. papulans. These primers amplified expected fragments of 242 and 303 bp, respectively. Pap1/Pap2 amplified a fragment only with P. syringae pv. papulans DNA, while Pap1/Pap3 amplified all tested strains belonging to genomospecies 1. A diagnostic procedure using the Pap1/Pap2 primer set was successful for the detection of P. syringae pv. papulans in diseased fruit and artificially inoculated leaves.
Effects of Varying Environmental Conditions on Biological Control of Fusarium Wilt of Tomato by Nonpathogenic Fusarium spp.
Authors: Larkin Robert P. , Fravel Deborah R.
Published: May 2007

The influence of varying environmental and cropping conditions including temperature, light, soil type, pathogen isolate and race, and cultivar of tomato on biological control of Fusarium wilt of tomato by isolates of nonpathogenic Fusarium oxysporum (CS-20 and CS-24) and F. solani (CS-1) was evaluated in greenhouse and growth chamber experiments. Liquid spore suspensions (106/ml) of the biocontrol isolates were applied to soilless potting mix at the time of tomato seeding, and the seedlings were transplanted into pathogen-infested field soil 2 weeks later. Temperature regimes ranging from 22 to 32°C significantly affected disease development and plant physiological parameters. Biocontrol isolate CS-20 significantly reduced disease at all temperature regimes tested, yielding reductions of disease incidence of 59 to 100% relative to pathogen control treatments. Isolates CS-24 and CS-1 reduced disease incidence in the greenhouse and at high temperatures, but were less effective at the optimum temperature for disease development (27°C). Growing plants under shade (50% of full light) versus full light affected some plant growth parameters, but did not affect the efficacy of biocontrol of any of the three bio-control isolates. Isolate CS-20 effectively reduced disease incidence (56 to 79% reduction) in four different field soils varying in texture (sandy to clayey) and organic matter content (0 to 3.2%). Isolate CS-1 reduced disease in the sandy and loamy soils (49 to 66% reduction), but was not effective in a heavy clay soil. Both CS-1 and CS-20 were equally effective against all three races of the pathogen, as well as multiple isolates of each race (48 to 66% reduction in disease incidence). Both isolates, CS-1 and CS-20, were equally effective in reducing disease incidence (66 to 80% reduction) by pathogenic races 1, 2, and 3 on eight different tomato cultivars containing varying levels of inherent resistance to Fusarium wilt (susceptible, resistant to race 1, or resistant to races 1 and 2). These results demonstrate that both these Fusarium isolates, and particularly CS-20, can effectively reduce Fusarium wilt disease of tomato under a variety of environmental conditions and have potential for further development.