Showing papers in "Plant Disease in 2004"

Phytophthora capsici on Vegetable Crops: Research Progress and Management Challenges.

Abstract: Phytophthora capsici was first described by Leon H. Leonian at the New Mexico Agricultural Research station in Las Cruces in 1922 (65). In his report, he described a novel species of Phytophthora that caused considerable damage to chili pepper plants in the fall of 1918. A year later, the disease reappeared at the same site and also affected surrounding farms. During the late 1930s and early 1940s, recurrent problems with P. capsici in the Arkansas River Valley of Colorado were described on several vegetable hosts (51– 55,103). The first reported occurrence of P. capsici on a cucurbit crop occurred in 1937, when a 3.2-ha field of cucumbers became diseased resulting in 100% of the fruit rotting (51). By 1940, P. capsici had also been described on eggplant, honeydew melon fruit, summer squash, and tomato fruit (52,103). The disease on tomatoes was reportedly so severe that the viability of the processing tomato industry in the region was threatened. These early reports mirror the situation with P. capsici today on many modern vegetable production farms, especially those in the eastern United States (4,72,84,94). Our research was initiated in 1997, when crop losses caused by P. capsici threatened to bankrupt a number of vegetable producers in Michigan. Growers wanted to know why crop rotation and the use of fungicides in well-drained fields had not provided adequate protection against full-scale epidemics. At that time, there were fundamental gaps in our understanding of P. capsici’s epidemiology in Michigan, and it was difficult to answer these questions with any degree of certainty. We did not recognize the extent to which sexual recombination and genetic diversity could influence management options and success. In particular, the fungicide mefenoxam was being applied by some growers, and the sensitivity of natural populations of P. capsici in Michigan to mefenoxam was unknown at that time. Here we review recent advances in our understanding of P. capsici’s biology, in particular the role of sexual reproduction, and provide an overview of some of the management challenges presented by this information.

Wheat Stripe Rust Epidemic and Virulence of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici in China in 2002.

Abstract: In China, wheat stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, is one of the most destructive diseases of wheat and can cause severe yield losses when susceptible cultivars are grown and weather conditions are favorable for the disease. Wheat stripe rust most frequently affects the winter wheat growing areas in Northwest, Southwest, and North China, and the spring wheat growing areas in Northwest China. In the 2001-2002 growing season, a widespread stripe rust epidemic affected about 6.6 million hectares of wheat in 11 provinces: Si-chuan, Chongqing, eastern Gansu, southern and western Shaanxi, southern and central Ningxia, Yunnan, Guizhou, Hubei, Henan, southern and central Hebei, and Shandong. The epidemic could be attributed to relatively warm weather from November 2001 to March 2002, high frequencies of stripe rust races CYR31 and CYR32, and widely grown susceptible cultivars. Race CYR31 was virulent on the Chinese differential cultivars Trigo Eureka, Fulhard, Lutescens 128, Mentana, Virgilio, Abbondanza, Early Premium, Funo, Danish 1, Fengchan 3, Lovrin 13, Shui-yuan 11, Lovrin 10, and Hybrid 46. Race CYR32 had all the virulence factors of CYR31, plus virulences on Chinese differential cultivars Jubilejina 2 and Kangyin 655, i.e., CYR32 was virulent on all differential cultivars, except Zhong 4. When tested on the world and European differential and some other resistant genotypes, CYR32 was virulent on Chinese 166 (Yr1), Heines VII (Yr2, Yr25, and YrHVII), Vilmorin 23 (Yr3a and Yr4a), Heines Kolben (Yr6 and YrHK), Lee (Yr7, Yr22, and Yr23), Clement (Yr9, Yr25, YrCle), VPM1 (Yr17), Selkirk (Yr27), Anza (YrA), Carstens V (YrCV1, YrCV2, and YrCV3), Gaby (YrG), Strubes Dickkopf (Yr25), and Suwon 92/Omar (YrSO). Resistance genes in Triticum spelta album (Yr5), Zhong 4, and Moro (Yr10 and YrMor) were effective against all races identified.

Cavendish Banana Cultivars Resistant to Fusarium Wilt Acquired through Somaclonal Variation in Taiwan

Abstract: In vitro propagation produces banana clones that arc very diverse. For 'Giant Cavendish', in addition to resistance to Fusarium wilt, the tissue culture method also generated clones with increased resistance to strong wind, heavier fruit bunches, and sweeter fruit. Therefore, it may be an ideal procedure for horticulturists to select banana clones producing fruit with different taste and might be possible for plant pathologists to select clones resistant to other important diseases. The possibility of applying this technique to the improvement of other crops remains to be exploited. Although 40,000 'Cavendish' plants grown from suckers did not show any visible difference in morphology, about 3 percent of 'Cavendish' plantlets derived from tissue culture were variants. Relatively little is known about the cause of genetic instability induced by the in vitro vegetative propagation. Rapid multiplication and development of cells resulting from mediation of regulators in the tissue culture medium may increase the chance of variation. The mechanism by which the somaclones of 'Giant Cavendish' are resistant to Fusarium wilt is unknown. Since the parental 'Giant Cavendish' is very susceptible to Fusarium wilt, the appearance of resistant somaclones may result from activation of silent resistant genes. However, the creation of resistance genes through mutation as the origin of the resistant phenotype cannot be ruled out. DNA technology will be useful in deciphering the true nature of wilt resistance in the future.

First Report of the Causal Agent of Huanglongbing ("Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus") in Brazil.

Abstract: Huanglongbing (ex-greening) disease is one of the most serious diseases of citrus. It is caused by the phloem-limited, gram-negative bacterium “Candidatus Liberibacter spp.”. This bacterium is not well characterized mainly because it is still uncultured. There are two known strains, Asian (“Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus”) and African (“Candidatus Liberibacter africanus”) that cause severe damage to citrus plants including twig dieback, decline, and death. Symptoms first appear as leaf mottling and chlorosis occurring in one shoot or sector of trees. Later, leaf symptoms resemble nutritional deficiencies (Zn, Ca, and N) that vary depending on the strains, with more severe symptoms caused by “Ca. L. asiaticus”. The Asian strains are transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid (AsCP), Diaphorina citri, which is present in Brazil. The bacterium has been detected in citrus plants in many geographic locations including China, Japan, Thailand, India, the Philippines, the Arabian Peninsula, and Africa. In 2004, p...

Shift in Sensitivity of Alternaria solani in Response to QoI Fungicides.

Abstract: Isolates of Alternaria solani, cause of potato early blight, collected in 1998 through 2001 from various potato growing areas across the midwestern United States, were tested for sensitivity to azoxystrobin. Isolates collected in 1998, prior to the introduction of azoxystrobin, were tested to establish the baseline sensitivity of the fungus to this fungicide. Isolates collected in subsequent years, not necessarily from the same sites as baseline isolates, were tested to determine if populations of A. solani had become less sensitive to azoxystrobin. Azoxystrobin sensitivity was determined utilizing an in vitro spore germination assay. The effective fungicide concentration that inhibited spore germination by 50% (EC50) was determined for each isolate. There was no significant difference in mean EC50 values between baseline isolates and all other isolates collected through 1999. Mean azoxystrobin EC50 values of A. solani isolates collected in 2000 and 2001 were significantly higher compared with me...

Management of Tomato Bacterial Spot in the Field by Foliar Applications of Bacteriophages and SAR Inducers

Abstract: Obradovic, A., Jones, J. B., Momol, M. T., Balogh, B., and Olson, S. M. 2004. Management of tomato bacterial spot in the field by foliar applications of bacteriophages and SAR inducers. Plant Dis. 88:736-740. Various combinations of the harpin protein, acibenzolar-S-methyl, and bacteriophages were compared for controlling tomato bacterial spot in field experiments. Harpin protein and acibenzolar-S-methyl were applied every 14 days beginning twice before transplanting and then an additional four applications throughout the season. Formulated bacteriophages were applied prior to inoculation followed by twice a week at dusk. A standard bactericide treatment, consisting of copper hydroxide plus mancozeb, was applied once prior to inoculation and then every 7 days, while untreated plants served as an untreated control. Experiments were conducted in north and central Florida fields during fall 2001, spring 2002, and fall 2002. In three consecutive seasons, acibenzolar-S-methyl applied in combination with bacteriophage or bacteriophage and harpin significantly reduced bacterial spot compared with the other treatments. However, it did not significantly affect the total yield compared with the standard or untreated control. Application of host-specific bacteriophages was effective against the bacterial spot pathogen in all three experiments, providing better disease control than copper-mancozeb or untreated control. When results of the disease severity assessments or harvested yield from the bacteriophage-treated plots were grouped and compared with the results of the corresponding nonbacteriophage group, the former provided significantly better disease control and yield of total marketable fruit.

Survival and Inoculum Production of Gibberella zeae in Wheat Residue

Abstract: Survival and inoculum production of Gibberella zeae (Schwein) Petch (anamorph Fusarium graminearum (Schwabe)), the causal agent of Fusarium head blight of wheat and barley, was related to the rate of wheat (Triticum aestivum L) residue decomposition Infested wheat residue, comprising intact nodes, internodes, and leaf sheaths, was placed in fiberglass mesh bags on the soil surface and at 75- to 10-cm and 15- to 20-cm depths in chisel-plowed plots and 15 to 20 cm deep in moldboard-plowed plots in October 1997 Residue was sampled monthly from April through November during 1998 and every 2 months through April to October 1999 Buried residue decomposed faster than residue placed on the soil surface Less than 2% of the dry-matter residue remained in buried treatments after 24 months in the field, while 25% of the residue remained in the soil-surface treatment Survival of G zeae on node tissues was inversely related to the residue decomposition rate Surface residue provided a substrate for G zeae for a longer period of time than buried residue Twenty-four months after the initiation of the trial, the level of colonization of nodes in buried residue was half the level of colonization of residue on the soil surface Colonization of node tissues by G zeae decreased over time, but increased for other Fusarium spp Ascospores of G zeae were still produced on residue pieces after 23 months, and these spores were capable of inducing disease Data from this research may assist in developing effective management strategies for residues infested with G zeae

Efficacy of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria, Acibenzolar-S-Methyl, and Soil Amendment for Integrated Management of Bacterial Wilt on Tomato

Abstract: Greenhouse experiments were conducted to study the effect of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR; Bacillus pumilus SE 34, Pseudomonas putida 89B61, BioYield, and Equity), acibenzolar-S-methyl (Actigard), and a soil amendment with S-H mixture (contains agricultural and industrial wastes such as bagasse, rice husk, oyster shell powder, urea, potassium nitrate, calcium super phosphate, and mineral ash) on bacterial wilt incidence caused by Ralstonia solanacearum (race 1, biovar 1) in susceptible tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum cv. Solar Set). In experiments with PGPR, Pseudomonas putida 89B61 significantly reduced bacterial wilt incidence when applied to the transplants at the time of seeding and 1 week prior to inoculation with Ralstonia solanacearum. BioYield, a formulated PGPR that contained two Bacillus strains, decreased disease significantly in three experiments. Equity, a formulation containing more than 40 different microbial strains, did not reduced wilt incidence compared with the untreated control. With inoculum at low pathogen densities of 1 × 105 and 1 × 106 CFU/ml, disease incidence of Actigard-treated plants was significantly less than with nontreated plants. This is the first report of Actigard-mediated reduction of bacterial wilt incidence in a susceptible tomato cultivar. When PGPR and Actigard applications were combined, Actigard plus P. putida 89B61 or BioYield reduced bacterial wilt incidence compared with the untreated control. Incorporation of S-H mixture into infested soil 2 weeks before transplanting reduced bacterial wilt incidence in one experiment. Combination of Actigard with the S-H mixture significantly reduced bacterial wilt incidence in tomato in two experiments.

Plant-Parasitic Nematodes Attacking Cotton in the United States: Old and Emerging Production Challenges.

Abstract: Cotton is the most important fiber crop in the world, and current U.S. lint production accounts for nearly one quarter of the world supply. The unique role of cotton in world and American history is profound. Primitive cottons have been used in Africa, Asia, and the Americas for millennia. Domestic and international demand for cotton fiber contributed greatly to the westward expansion of the United States, the American Civil War, and the industrial revolution (81). The land area devoted to cotton production in the United States peaked in 1926 with approximately 18 million hectares (Fig. 1). The advent of mechanized farming equipment and the availability of effective, relatively low-cost fertilizers, pesticides, and improved cotton cultivars after World War II allowed the production of significantly greater yields per unit of land area, and hectarage declined. U.S. production of cotton lint in the past 5 years has varied from 3.0 × 10 to 4.4 × 10 kg produced on about 5 million hectares (147). Additionally, cotton seed is a valuable source of vegetable oil and protein used in animal feed, with production of 4.9 × 10 to 5.9 × 10 kg of cotton seed annually. Since World War II, cotton cultivation was increasingly dependent on inputs of chemical pesticides for weed and insect control. Historically, the cotton boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis Boheman, was the most costly pest of cotton in the United States. The combination of crop loss due to this insect directly and the expense for insecticides that was incurred by cotton growers attempting to control it amounted to several billion dollars annually until recently (130). The successful establishment of the Boll Weevil Eradication Program coordinated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in many states in the eastern half of the country has resulted in a reduction in insecticide usage, improved profitability for growers, and has led to a resurgence of cotton production in the Southeast (37). In addition, the current widespread use of transgenic cotton cultivars with resistance to herbicides and/or insects also has greatly reduced the need for inputs of pesticides. Currently, 71% of cotton grown in the United States is herbicide resistant, resistant to lepidopteran insects, or has resistance to both (3). Reductions in pest pressure from weeds and insects as a result of the deployment of transgenic resistance and the boll weevil eradication program have

Activity of Boscalid, Fenhexamid, Fluazinam, Fludioxonil, and Vinclozolin on Growth of Sclerotinia minor and S. sclerotiorum and Development of Lettuce Drop.

Abstract: Sclerotinia drop is a major disease of lettuce caused by two soilborne fungi, Sclerotinia minor and S. sclerotiorum. Fungicides such as dicloran (Botran), iprodione (Rovral), and vinclozolin (Ronilan) are currently available in the United States to manage this disease. Studies were conducted to investigate the relative effect of some new fungicides, including boscalid, fenhexamid, fluazinam, and fludioxonil, in comparison with vinclozolin, on growth of S. minor and S. sclerotiorum in agar plate tests as well as control of lettuce drop in the field. At a rate of 0.001 μg/ml, all tested compounds only suppressed mycelial growth of either pathogen from 0 to 20%. At 0.01 μg/ml, mycelial growth of S. minor was reduced 82 to 84% by fludioxonil and fluazinam and only 1 to 16% by boscalid, fenhexamid, and vinclozolin. At the same rate, mycelial growth of S. sclerotiorum was reduced 78% by fluazinam and from 0 to 12% by boscalid, fludioxonil, fenhexamid, and vinclozolin. At 0.1 μg/ml, all tested chemistri...

Benomyl Sensitivity of Isolates of Colletotrichum acutatum and C. gloeosporioides from Citrus.

Abstract: Postbloom fruit drop (PFD) of citrus, caused by Colletotrichum acutatum, produces orange-brown lesions on petals and results in premature fruit drop and the retention of calyces. C. gloeosporioides is common in groves and causes postharvest anthracnose on fruit. Both diseases are controlled effectively by the fungicide benomyl in research fields and commercial orchards. Highly sensitive and resistant isolates of C. gloeosporioides were found, whereas all isolates of C. acutatum tested were moderately resistant. In preliminary studies conducted in vitro with three isolates of each, mycelial growth of sensitive isolates of C. gloeosporioides was inhibited completely by benomyl (Benlate 50 WP) at 1.0 μg/ml, whereas resistant isolates grew well at 10 μg/ml. Growth of all isolates of C. acutatum was inhibited by about 55% at 0.1 μg/ml and by 80% at 1.0 μg/ml. Spore germination of C. acutatum was inhibited more at 0.1 μg/ml than at 1.0 μg/ml or higher concentrations. In all, 20 isolates of C. acutatum from 17 groves and 20 isolates of C. gloeosporioides from 7 groves were collected from locations with different histories of benomyl usage in Sao Paulo, Brazil, and Florida, United States. Benomyl at 1.0 μg/ml completely inhibited growth of 133 isolates of C. gloeosporioides, with the exception of 7 isolates that were highly resistant to the fungicide, whereas all isolates of C. acutatum were only partially inhibited at 0.1 and 1.0 μg/ml. Analysis of variance indicated that the sensitivity of the isolates of C. acutatum was not affected by benomyl usage or grove of origin, and country of origin had only minor effects. No highly resistant or sensitive isolate of C. acutatum was recovered. Partial sequencing of the β-tubulin gene did not reveal nucleotide substitutions in codons 198 or 200 in C. acutatum that usually are associated with benomyl resistance in other fungi.

Occurrence and Impact of a New Leaf Rust Race on Durum Wheat in Northwestern Mexico from 2001 to 2003

Abstract: Durum wheat (Triticum turgidum var. durum) is the main irrigated winter crop in northwestern Mexico. Historically, leaf rust, caused by Puccinia triticina, had not induced significant losses to durum production in the area until 2001. That year, a new race, designated as BBG/BN, was detected that caused the most widely grown cultivar, Altar C84, which had remained resistant for 16 years, to become susceptible. Other recommended cultivars also became either moderately susceptible or susceptible. Detailed characterization of avirulence/virulence characteristics on Lr genes indicated that this race possibly did not evolve from the older races, but may have been introduced. Rust epidemics during the 2000-2001, 2001-2002, and 2002-2003 crop seasons have caused estimated losses of at least US$32 million. Although a majority of cultivars from 31 different countries, including the United States and Canada, and most of CIMMYT's durum wheat germ plasm were highly susceptible, diversity for both race-specific resistance and moderate levels of slow rusting resistance were identified. Jupare C2001, a resistant cultivar released in 2001, showed high levels of resistance and negligible losses in grain yield in a trial where Altar C84 suffered over 27% losses.

Systemic resistance induced by Trichoderma hamatum 382 in cucumber against phytophthora crown rot and leaf blight

Abstract: Phytophthora root rot, crown rot, leaf and stem blight, and fruit rot of cucumber can cause serious losses, and are difficult to control. Although composts can be used successfully for control of Phytophthora root rots, little is known about their effects on Phytophthora diseases of aboveground plant parts. This research shows that the severity of Phytophthora root and crown rot of cucumber caused by Phytophthora capsici was suppressed significantly in cucumber transplants produced in a composted cow manure-amended mix compared with those in a dark sphagnum peat mix. In split root bioassays, Trichoderma hamatum 382 (T382) inoculated into the compost-amended potting mix significantly reduced the severity of Phytophthora root and crown rot on paired roots in the peat mix. This effect did not differ significantly from that provided by a drench with benzothiadiazole (BTH) or mefenoxam (Subdue MAXX). Based on area under disease progress curves, T382 also significantly reduced the severity of Phytophth...

Assessment of the Potential Year-Round Establishment of Soybean Rust Throughout the World.

Abstract: Soybean rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi Sydow) has been known to occur in eastern Asia and Aus-tralia for decades. In recent years, the disease entered Africa and South America and has spread rapidly in these continents. It has become a concern to the U.S. soybean industry. To assess the threat of soybean rust, we used a modeling approach to determine the potential geographical zones where the fungus might overwinter and serve as source areas for seasonal epidemics. Long-term meteorological averages were used to assess the temperature stresses by using CLIMEX, and the dry stress with an algorithm developed in this study. Integration of stresses was used to predict the likelihood of survival of the rust in a defined location. Our results suggest that the new soybean rust invasions in Africa and South America occurred in the areas where the fungus might persist year-round. The main regions where rust has not been reported but might overwinter are located in the western hemisphere, including northern So...

Effect of Formulated Plant Extracts and Oils on Population Density of Phytophthora nicotianae in Soil and Control of Phytophthora Blight in the Greenhouse

Abstract: Bowers, J. H., and Locke, J. C. 2004. Effect of formulated plant extracts and oils on population density of Phytophthora nicotianae in soil and control of Phytophthora blight in the greenhouse. Plant Dis. 88:11-16. Formulated plant extracts and oils were investigated for control of diseases caused by Phytophthora spp. Soil infested with chlamydospores of Phytophthora nicotianae was treated by incorporating 1, 5, and 10% aqueous emulsions of formulations containing clove oil, neem oil, pepper extract and mustard oil, cassia extract, synthetic cinnamon oil, or the fungicide metalaxyl. Population densities of P. nicotianae were determined at 0 (before treatment), 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days after treatment. Treatment of the soil with 5 and 10% aqueous emulsions resulted in significant (P < 0.05) differences among treatment mean values at each assay date. After 1 day, population densities were reduced to below the limit of detection (<0.04 CFU/cm3) in soil treated with 10% aqueous emulsions of two pepper extract–mustard oil formulations and two cassia extract formulations, and near the limit of detection for a synthetic cinnamon oil formulation. Over time, populations of P. nicotianae were detected in the assay; however, after 21 days, populations of P. nicotianae in soil treated with one of the pepper extract–mustard oil formulations still were not detected. Formulations of clove oil, another pepper extract–mustard oil combination, the two cassia extracts, and the synthetic cinnamon oil reduced populations 98.4 to 99.9% after 21 days compared with the nontreated control soil. The neem oil formulation and metalaxyl did not reduce pathogen populations at any rate tested. In the greenhouse after 35 days, 10% aqueous emulsions of a pepper extract–mustard oil formulation, a cassia extract, and the synthetic cinnamon oil formulation suppressed disease development in periwinkle 93.0 to 96.7% compared with the nontreated infested soil. The observed reduction in the pathogen population and significantly more healthy plants in the greenhouse indicates that these formulations of plant extracts and oils could have important roles in biologically based management strategies for control of diseases caused by P. nicotianae.

Proactive Control of Petri Disease of Grapevine Through Treatment of Propagation Material

Abstract: Petri disease is a vascular disease associated with decline and dieback of young grapevines. A major means of spread of the causal organisms, Phaeomoniella chlamydospora and Phaeoacremonium spp., is via infected propagation material. Since no curative control measures are known, proactive measures must be taken in grapevine nurseries to manage this disease. To study this aspect, semicommercial trials with naturally infected rootstock material were performed in grapevine nurseries in South Africa. Prior to grafting, rootstocks were treated as follows: 1-h drench in suspensions of benomyl, phosphoric acid, different bacterial and Trichoderma formulations, water, or hot water treated (HWT; 30 min at 50°C). Grafted cuttings were planted and grown in a greenhouse and two commercial field nurseries and uprooted 8 months later. In instances where rootstocks were treated with benomyl or Trichoderma formulations, the incidences of Phaeomoniella and Phaeoacremonium in grafted cuttings and uprooted nursery vines were significantly lower than that of the water treatment. However, the reduction was most consistent and noteworthy in vines on rootstocks that received HWT prior to grafting. HWT of dormant nursery vines effected a similar reduction in Phaeomoniella and Phaeoacremonium incidence. Root-stock drenches in benomyl and/or Trichoderma formulations could thus be integrated with HWT for the proactive management of Petri disease in grapevine nurseries.

Identification of Monilinia fructigena, M. fructicola, M. laxa, and Monilia polystroma on inoculated and naturally infected fruit using multiplex PCR.

Abstract: Monilinia fructigena, M. fructicola, M. laxa, and Monilia polystroma each have a different regulatory status. To monitor imported and exported fruit for the presence of quarantined Monilinia or Monilia species, a timely identification method is required. Random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis was used to generate an M. fructigena-specific band that was characterized by sequencing. Using the sequence obtained, primers were designed to amplify bands in the same genomic region of M. fructicola and M. laxa. These bands were also characterized by sequencing. From all three sequences, a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method based on a common reverse primer (MO368-5) and three species-specific forward primers (MO368-8R, MO368-10R, and Laxa-R2) was established for the differentiation of the three Monilinia species. The multiplex PCR was tested with additional isolates and consistently produced a 402-bp PCR product for M. fructigena, a 535-bp product for M. fructicola, and a 351-bp product for M. laxa. The method was also used with isolates of the recently characterized Monilia polystroma, and all isolates amplified a 425-bp PCR product. The identification method was shown to amplify a PCR product directly from inoculated apples, and the PCR band produced was specific to the inoculated Monilinia or Monilia species. Furthermore, the multiplex PCR was used to identify Monilinia species on naturally infected stone fruits. The method correctly identified infections by both M. laxa and M. fructicola by successful amplification of corresponding PCR products for each species.

Long-term effect of biological soil disinfestation on Verticillium wilt

Abstract: Biological soil disinfestation (BSD), involving incorporation of grass combined with plastic mulching, eliminates many soilborne pests and diseases through the creation of anaerobic conditions. BSD was compared at two locations with a nontreated control, Italian ryegrass amendment alone, and plastic mulch alone. After the soil treatments, plots were cropped with Acer platanoides and Catalpa bignonioides and grown for 4 years. Relative to the control, soil inoculum levels of Verticillium dahliae were reduced by 85% after BSD and did not increase for 4 years. Populations of Pratylenchus fallax, known for their interaction with V. dahliae, in the soil and in roots were reduced by 95 to 99%. The incidence of infection by V. dahliae was reduced by 80 to 90%. Verticillium wilt severity was significantly reduced in A. platanoides in all 4 years at one location and in the first 2 years at the other location, and significantly fewer plants died at one location. Shoot length and trunk width were larger aft...

Evaluation of Sclerotinia Stem Rot Resistance in Oilseed Brassica napus Using a Petiole Inoculation Technique Under Greenhouse Conditions

Abstract: A petiole inoculation technique was adapted for evaluating resistance of oilseed Brassica napus seedlings to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. In the first of four experiments, four isolates of S. sclerotiorum were tested, two originating from soybean and two from B. napus. In all, 10 to 47 B. napus accessions were inoculated in the seedling stage and responses to isolates were evaluated using days to wilt (DW) and a lesion phenotype index (LP). There were no significant differences in virulence among the four isolates for DW and only slight differences for LP. However, significant differences (P < 0.0001) were observed among the B. napus accessions for DW and LP in this experiment and in subsequent experiments using one isolate. The responses of accessions were consistent among experiments and among evaluation criteria. Higher levels of resistance were found among winter-type than spring-type accessions, and among rapeseed-quality compared with canola-quality accessions. The most resistant accessions identified also were the most resistant when inoculated at the flowering stage. Terminal stems were inoculated immediately below the lowest flower and stem lesion length (SLL) was used to characterize the interaction phenotype of each accession. The petiole inoculation technique can be used successfully to differentiate oilseed B. napus germ plasm for response to S. sclerotiorum. This inoculation technique and the sources of resistance identified in this study may be used to determine inheritance resistance to S. sclerotiorum and for improving oilseed B. napus cultivars for resistance to this important pathogen.

Susceptibility of Selected Ericaceous Ornamental Host Species to Phytophthora ramorum

Abstract: Tooley, P. W., Kyde, K. L., and Englander, L. 2004. Susceptibility of selected ericaceous ornamental host species to Phytophthora ramorum. Plant Dis. 88:993-999. We assessed disease reactions of 51 species or varieties of ericaceous ornamental hosts to two isolates of Phytophthora ramorum, the causal agent of sudden oak death. Inoculation was performed with an A2 mating type U.S. isolate from rhododendron and the P. ramorum type culture of A1 mating type from Germany. For only one host were statistically significant differences in disease observed between the two isolates. Several different inoculation methods were compared. The 51 hosts tested varied widely in susceptibility, ranging from 0% to over 90% leaf area infected. Two cultivars of Vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) showed no disease, while three cultivars of Kalmia latifolia (mountain laurel) were all highly susceptible. The results indicate that many ornamental hosts grown in the United States are susceptible to P. ramorum under artificial inoculation conditions. Inoculum density studies with two susceptible host species showed that P. ramorum is capable of producing disease symptoms over sporangium concentrations ranging from 100 to 5,000 sporangia per ml. Mean numbers of chlamydospores forming in host tissue of 21 hosts ranged from 2 to over 900 chlamydospores per 6-mm-diameter leaf disk. Whether hosts showing susceptiblity under the experimental conditions used in this study would become infected with P. ramorum in the presence of inoculum under natural conditions is unknown.

Genetic Diversity of Ascochyta rabiei in Canada

Abstract: Assessment of variability of Ascochyta rabiei (teleomorph: Didymella rabiei) was based on virulence tests of 40 isolates and on random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis of 39 isolates from Canada. In addition, isolates of A. rabiei from other countries were assessed in the virulence (18 isolates) and RAPD (20 isolates) analyses. Seven isolates of A. lentis (teleo-morph: Didymella lentis) and two of A. pinodes (teleomorph: Mycosphaerella pinodes) also were included in the RAPD analysis. Significant line-isolate interactions in the virulence tests indicated that certain isolates were virulent only on certain lines. Canadian isolates were grouped into 14 pathotypes using eight chickpea differentials. These groupings also encompassed 17 of the 18 isolates from other countries. RAPD analysis of all 68 isolates using 8 primers produced 112 fragments, of which 96% were polymorphic. Similarities among A. rabiei isolates from Canada ranged from 20 to 100%. In the RAPD dendrogram, all five A. rabie...

Comparison of Media for Recovery of Verticillium dahliae from Soil.

Abstract: Polygalacturonic acid (PGA) is an important constituent of Sorensen's NP-10 medium (NP-10) for estimating the population density of Verticillium dahliae in soil. Different types of PGA are available, but not all of them favor the growth of V. dahliae. Unavailability of PGA sodium salt from orange (P-1879) has created an unprecedented problem for the quantification of microscle-rotia (MS) of V. dahliae in soil. The PGA from orange (P-3889) that is now available does not support the growth of V. dahliae. Therefore, experiments were conducted to optimize the use of NP-10 prepared with P-3889 and various concentrations of NaOH. NP-10 with P-3889 amended with eight concentrations of NaOH were compared with NP-10 prepared from PGA sodium salt from orange (P-1879, now discontinued) and citrus (P-3850) along with cellophane and Na-pectate media for recovery of MS from soil and growth of V. dahliae on the media. Seven soils were assayed for MS, and eight isolates of V. dahliae were evaluated for growth and production of MS. Concentrations of NaOH >0.035N and <0.02N in NP-10 with P-3889 reduced mycelial growth, microsclerotial production, and recovery of MS from soils. Similarly, NP-10 with P-3850 alone, cellophane, and Na-pectate media had significantly reduced growth on media and recovery of V. dahliae from soils. The NP-10 with P-3889 and 0.025N NaOH consistently yielded numbers of V. dahliae MS from soil samples and supported the growth and production of MS similar to the NP-10 with P-1879. The medium developed in this study can serve as a direct replacement for the original NP-10 that was developed nearly three decades ago, an important component of which is no longer available.

Integrated management of tomato spotted wilt on field-grown tomatoes.

Abstract: Momol, M. T., Olson, S. M., Funderburk, J. E., Stavisky, J., and Marois, J. J. 2004. Integrated management of tomato spotted wilt on field-grown tomatoes. Plant Dis. 88:882-890. Epidemics of spotted wilt caused by Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) vectored by Frankliniella occidentalis and possibly other thrips species occur regularly in tomato in the southeastern United States. Field experiments were conducted to determine the effects of UV-reflective mulch, acibenzolar-S-methyl (plant activator), and insecticides on progress of tomato spotted wilt incidence and population dynamics of flower thrips (including F. occidentalis, F. tritici, and F. bispinosa). Whole plots of tomatoes grown on UV-reflective and black polyethylene mulch were divided into subplots of acibenzolar-S-methyl and no acibenzolar-S-methyl, and subsubplots of insecticide and no insecticide for thrips control. The UV-reflective mulch was more effective than black polyethylene mulch each year in reducing colonization of thrips in May and the consequent primary infections of tomato spotted wilt. Application of acibenzolar-S-methyl further reduced tomato spotted wilt incidence in 2000 and 2002, when disease pressure was great. Reproduction of thrips on tomato was poor in these experiments, but their control in the insecticide-treated sub-subplots prevented secondary spread in both years. The combination of UV-reflective mulch, acibenzolar-S-methyl, and insecticides was very effective in reducing tomato spotted wilt incidence in tomato.

Distribution and Incidence of Iris yellow spot virus in Colorado and Its Relation to Onion Plant Population and Yield.

Abstract: Gent, D. H., Schwartz, H. F., and Khosla, R. 2004. Distribution and incidence of Iris yellow spot virus in Colorado and its relation to onion plant population and yield. Plant Dis. 88:446-452. Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV) is an emerging and potentially devastating disease of onion that was recently detected in Colorado and other onion producing regions in the western United States. In annual surveys, IYSV was confirmed in one of 18 fields (5.6%) in 2001, four of 24 (16.7%) in 2002, and 41 of 56 (73.2%) in 2003. IYSV was confirmed on volunteer onions in 2003 at all four locations where IYSV was observed in the onion crop the previous year. The disease was detected in six of seven western Colorado onion fields surveyed in 2003, but was not observed any year in southern or northeastern Colorado. The spatial variability of disease incidence, yield, and plant population also was mapped in two fields in 2003 using the global positioning system and a geographic information system. Disease incidence varied among cultivars, plant population, fields, and location in the field. Distinct disease gradients were observed in both fields with susceptible cultivars Teton and Granero, but not in the moderately resistant cultivar Sterling. In fields planted to the susceptible cultivars, disease incidence was highest on the field edges and lowest near the field centers. Plant population was negatively correlated with IYSV incidence in cultivar Sterling (R 2 = 0.56, P = 0.003), but not with the susceptible cultivars. Yield of jumbo market class onions, but not total yield, was negatively correlated with increasing IYSV incidence (R 2 = 0.37, P = 0.012) in cultivar Teton. Colossal market class yield, but not other yield components, was negatively correlated with IYSV incidence in cultivar Sterling (R2 = 0.28, P = 0.061). The results of these studies indicate the distribution of IYSV is rapidly expanding in Colorado and is associated with a general reduction in bulb size.

Genetic Diversity Among Alternaria solani Isolates from Potatoes in South Africa.

Abstract: Genetic diversity among isolates of Alternaria solani, the causal agent of early blight of potato, from various potato-growing regions in South Africa (SA), was determined using virulence assays, vegetative compatibility (VC) tests, and random amplified microsatellite (RAMS) primers. The virulence assays showed low virulence levels for the largest part of the population, but failed to otherwise characterize the population diversity. The VC tests revealed 19 VC groups (VCGs), indicating a relatively high level of diversity among the isolates. There was little correlation between geographic origin of isolates and VCGs. Analysis of RAMS profiles revealed 27% genetic diversity among 46 isolates. This value is relatively high for an asexually reproducing fungus, but is similar to values obtained previously by authors studying A. solani. Distance analysis of the RAMS profiles also provided no evidence for geographical clustering of isolates. VCG and RAMS profiles indicated that isolates are randomly spread across SA. This fact, together with the high diversity of A. solani in SA, indicates that the fungus has a high potential to adapt to resistant cultivars or fungicides. This information can aid in the breeding and deployment of A. solani-resistant potato varieties, and in early blight disease management in SA.

Mycelial Compatibility Grouping and Aggressiveness of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Abstract: Kull, L. S., Pedersen, W. L., Palmquist, D., and Hartman, G. L. 2004. Mycelial compatibility grouping and aggressiveness of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Plant Dis. 88:325-332. Population variability of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, the causal organism of Sclerotinia stem rot of soybean, was determined by mycelial compatibility grouping (MCG) and isolate aggressiveness comparisons. MCG and aggressiveness of S. sclerotiorum isolates from diverse hosts and geographic locations (Diverse Set, 24 isolates), from a soybean field in Argentina (Argentine Set, 21 isolates), and from soybean fields in DeKalb and Watseka, Illinois (DeKalb Set, 124 isolates, and Watseka Set, 130 isolates) were assessed. Among 299 isolates tested, 42 MCGs were identified, and 61% were represented by single isolates observed at single locations. Within the Diverse Set, 17 MCGs were identified; 1 MCG consisted of six isolates, and 16 MCGs consisted of one isolate each. Nine MCGs were identified within the Argentine field with two MCGs composed of either five or six isolates, two MCGs composed of two isolates, and the remaining composed of one isolate each. Each Illinois field was a mosaic of MCGs, but MCG frequencies differed between the two fields. Common MCGs were identified among the Diverse, DeKalb, and Watseka Sets, but no MCGs within the Argentine Set were observed with other sets. MCG 8 was the most frequently sampled and widely dispersed MCG and occurred at a frequency of 29, 36, and 62% in the Diverse, DeKalb, and Watseka Sets, respectively. Variation in isolate aggressiveness was assessed using a limited-term, plug inoculation technique. Isolate aggressiveness varied (P = 0.001) within the Diverse, Argentine, DeKalb, and Watseka Sets. Within widely dispersed MCGs, isolate aggressiveness varied (P ≤ 0.10); however, within locally observed MCGs detected only in single fields, isolate aggressiveness did not vary. Additionally, individual MCGs within the DeKalb and Watseka Sets differed in isolate aggressiveness. Using six soybean cultivars and six S. sclerotiorum isolates, no cultivar–isolate interaction was detected, but resistant and susceptible cultivars performed similarly when inoculated with either less or highly aggressive isolates. Pathogen population structure and variability in isolate aggressiveness may be important considerations in disease management systems.

Detection and Characterization of a New Strain of Citrus Canker Bacteria from Key/Mexican Lime and Alemow in South Florida

Abstract: Sun, X., Stall, R. E., Jones, J. B., Cubero, J., Gottwald, T. R., Graham, J. H., Dixon, W. N., Schubert, T. S., Chaloux, P. H., Stromberg, V. K., Lacy, G. H., and Sutton, B. D. 2004. Detection and characterization of a new strain of citrus canker bacteria from Key/Mexican lime and alemow in South Florida. Plant Dis. 88:1179-1188. In the Wellington and Lake Worth areas of Palm Beach County, FL, citrus canker appeared on Key/Mexican lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) and alemow (C. macrophylla) trees over a period of about 6 to 7 years before detection, but nearby canker-susceptible citrus, such as grapefruit (C. × paradisi) and sweet orange (C. sinensis), were unaffected. Colonies of the causal bacterium, isolated from leaf, stem, and fruit lesions, appeared similar to the Asiatic group of strains of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri (Xac-A) on the nutrient agar plate, but the growth on lima bean agar slants was less mucoid. The bacterium produced erumpent, pustule-like lesions of typical Asiatic citrus canker syndrome after inoculation into Key/Mexican lime, but brownish, flat, and necrotic lesions on the leaves of Duncan grapefruit, Madame Vinous sweet orange, sour orange (C. aurantium), citron (C. medica), Orlando tangelo (C. reticulata × C. × paradisi), and trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata). The bacterium did not react with the Xac-A specific monoclonal antibody A1 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and could not be detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based assays using primers selected for Xac-A. DNA reassociation analysis confirmed that the pathogen, designated as Xac-AW, was more closely related to Xac-A and Xac-A * strains than X. axonopodis pv. aurantifolii or the citrus bacterial spot pathogen (X. axonopodis pv. citrumelo). The strain can be easily differentiated from Xac-A and Xac-A * using ELISA, PCR-based tests, fatty acid analysis, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of genomic DNA, and host specificity.

Detection and Quantification of Fusarium solani f. sp. glycines in Soybean Roots with Real-Time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction

Abstract: Gao, X., Jackson, T. A., Lambert, K. N., Li, S., Hartman, G. L., and Niblack, T. L. 2004. Detection and quantification of Fusarium solani f. sp. glycines in soybean roots with real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Plant Dis. 88:1372-1380. Fusarium solani f. sp. glycines is the causal organism of soybean sudden death syndrome (SDS). This organism is difficult to detect and quantify because it is a slow-growing fungus with variable phenotypic characteristics. Reliable and fast procedures are important for detection of this soybean pathogen. Protocols were optimized for extraction of DNA from pure fungal cultures and fresh or dry roots. A new procedure to test polymerase chain reaction (PCR) inhibitors in DNA extracts was developed. Novel real-time quantitative PCR (QPCR) assays were developed for both absolute and relative quantification of F. solani f. sp. glycines. The fungus was quantified based on detection of the mitochondrial small-subunit rRNA gene, and the host plant based on detection of the cyclophilin gene of the host plant. DNA of F. solani f. sp. glycines was detected in soybean plants both with and without SDS foliar symptoms to contents as low as 9.0 × 10 –5 ng in the absolute QPCR assays. This is the first report of relative QPCR using the comparative threshold cycle (Ct) method to quantify the DNA of a plant pathogen relative to its host DNA. The relative QPCR assay is reliable if care is taken to avoid reaction inhibition and it may be used to further elucidate the fungus–host interaction in the development of SDS or screen for resistance to the fungus.

Host Range of Phytophthora capsici from Pumpkin and Pathogenicity of Isolates

Abstract: This study was conducted to determine the host range of Phytophthora capsici isolates from pumpkin and virulence of the isolates on pumpkin cultivars. The pathogenicity of P. capsici isolates from pumpkin was evaluated on 45 species of herbaceous plants, including 36 species of crops grown in rotation sequences with pumpkin and nine species of weeds that commonly grow in pumpkin fields in Illinois. Plants were grown in the greenhouse, and 4-week-old seedlings were inoculated by adding 5 ml of a zoospore suspension (2 × 105 spores per ml of water) onto the soil surface around the stem of each plant in the pot. Twenty-two crop species and two weed species became infected with P. capsici and developed symptoms. P. capsici was reisolated from all of the symptomatic plants by culturing tissues onto a semiselective medium (PARP). Also, P. capsici was detected in 87.5% of symptomatic plants by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method using PCAP and IT5 primers. Cucurbits and pepper were the most susceptible hosts of P. capsici. Five crop species or varieties, beet (Beta vulgaris), Swiss-chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla), lima beans (Phaseolus lunatus), turnip (Brassica rapa), and spinach (Spinacia oleracea), and one weed species, velvet-leaf (Abutilon theophrasti), were found to be hosts of P. capsici for the first time. Six isolates of P. capsici were inoculated onto six pumpkin cultivars (three processing and three jack-o-lantern pumpkins) in the greenhouse and resulted in significant interactions between pathogen isolates and pumpkin types. P. capsici isolates were more virulent on jack-o-lantern pumpkins than on processing pumpkins.

Effects of Silicon and Fungicides on the Control of Leaf and Neck Blast in Upland Rice.

Abstract: Silicon (Si) has been shown to suppress diseases of rice such as blast when applied to Si-deficient soils. In 1995 and 1996, Si was applied at 1,000 kg ha-1 to at two locations in eastern Colombia to determine if Si combined with reduced rates of fungicide could be used to manage leaf and neck blast effectively in upland rice. Two applications of edifenphos and three applications of tricyclazole were made at 0, 10, 25, or 100% of their labeled rates after amendment of soil with Si. At both locations, Si alone and Si combined with edifenphos reduced leaf blast severity by 22 to 75% when compared with nonamended, untreated controls, and suppression of leaf blast by Si alone was equal to or better than the full rate of edifenphos alone. Si alone suppressed neck blast as effectively or better than the full rate tricyclazole when severity was low; however, when severity was higher, a 10% rate of tricyclazole was needed in addition to Si. No differences in yield were observed between Si without fungicides and fungicides (full rate) without Si. Applications of Si made in 1995 had significant residual activity in terms of disease control and yield in 1996. The application of Si to Si-deficient soils may permit the use of reduced rates of fungicide to manage leaf and neck blast in upland rice.