Increased accumulation of phenolic metabolites in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) genotypes contribute to defense against Sclerotium rolfsii infection

Abstract

Fungal infections cause several metabolic changes to the plants, which can affect its physiology and survival in various ways. In the present study, we have analysed various phenolic compounds and activity of oxidative enzymes in healthy and Sclerotium rolfsii-infected groundnut genotypes. Increased phenolics content and higher activity of oxidative enzymes was observed in the tolerant genotype (CS 19, GG 16) followed by susceptible genotype (GG 20, TG 37A). Among the phenolic compounds tested, chlorogenic acid content has increased greatly in leaf, stem and root of infected tolerant genotypes compared to the respective controls. In vitro growth of S. rolfsii showed significant inhibition at concentrations 500 and 1000 µg/mL of phenolic compounds in the radial growth inhibition assay. These results have strongly suggested that, higher accumulation of chlorogenic acid could be an important factor in imparting resistance and protecting groundnut against S. rolfsii infection in tolerant genotypes.     

Changes in Cell Wall-bound Phenolic Compounds and Lignin in Roots of Date Palm Cultivars Differing in Susceptibility to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis

The roots of date palm contain four cell wall‐bound phenolic acids identified as p‐hydroxybenzoic, p‐coumaric, ferulic and sinapic acids. The ferulic acid represents the major phenolic compound since it constitutes 48.2–55.8% of cell wall‐bound phenolic acids. All these phenolic acids were present in the resistant cultivar (BSTN) and the susceptible cultivar (JHL). However, the pre‐infection contents of p‐coumaric, ferulic and sinapic acids were greater in the resistant cultivar than in the susceptible one. For the contents of p‐hydroxybenzoic acid, there was no significant difference between the resistant cultivar and the susceptible cultivar. Similarly, the pre‐infection contents of lignin were approximately equal for both cultivars. Inoculation of the date palm roots by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis induced important modifications to the contents of the cell wall‐bound phenolic compounds and lignin, which made it possible to distinguish between resistant and susceptible cultivars. The post‐infection contents of cell wall‐bound phenolic compounds underwent a rapid and intense increase with a maximum accumulation on the tenth day for p‐hydroxybenzoic acid (1.54 μmol/g), p‐coumaric acid (2.77 μmol/g) and ferulic acid (2.64 μmol/g) and on the fifteenth day for sinapic acid (1.85 μmol/g). The maximum contents accumulated in the resistant cultivar were greater than those in the susceptible cultivar, namely, 11 times for p‐hydroxybenzoic acid, 2.6 times for p‐coumaric acid, 1.8 times for ferulic acid and 12.3 times for sinapic acid. In the susceptible cultivar, p‐coumaric acid and ferulic acid contents also increased after inoculation although they did not reach the pre‐infection contents of the resistant cultivar. The contents of p‐hydroxybenzoic acid in the susceptible cultivar roots did not present post‐infection modification and those of sinapic acid decreased instead. The lignin contents increased in both cultivars with a maximum accumulation on the fifteenth day. However, the maximum contents accumulated in the resistant cultivar roots were 1.5 times greater than those of the susceptible cultivar. These results showed clear differences between the resistant BSTN and the susceptible JHL cultivars. The implication of cell wall‐bound phenolic compounds and lignin in the resistance of date palm to F. oxysporum f. sp. albedinis appears to be dependent on the speed and intensity of their accumulation with greater contents in the first stage of infection.     

Variations in the Phenolic Contents of Cocoyam Clones in Correlation to Resistance to Pythium Myriotylum

Phenolic compounds from leaves and roots of infected and healthy cocoyam clones resistant (RO1075), tolerant (RO1043), and susceptible (RO1157) to Pythium myriotylum were quantified and tested for their in vitro fungitoxicity on the causal agent of the cocoyam root rot disease. All clones, infected or not, have phenolic compounds showing fungitoxic activity. The phenolic content of the tolerant and susceptible clones is less than that observed in the resistant one meanwhile in the resistant clone RO1075, a large increase in phenolic content is observed particularly in the roots during attack by pathogen.     

Low-P tolerance by maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes: Significance of root growth,and organic acids and acid phosphatase root exudation

We investigated some mechanisms, which allow maize genotypes to adapt to soils which are low in available P. Dry matter production, root/shoot-ratio, root length and root exudation of organic acids and acid phosphatase were investigated in four maize genotypes grown under P-deficient and P-sufficient conditions in sterile hydroponic culture. A low-P tolerant, an acid-tolerant and a low-P susceptible genotype of maize were compared with a Swiss commercial cultivar. The study found increased root development and increased exudation of acid phosphatase under P-deficient conditions in all maize genotypes, except for the Swiss cultivar. Effects on root formation and acid phosphatase were greater for the low-P tolerant than for the low-P susceptible, and the acid soil tolerant genotypes. Organic acid contents in root tissues were increased under P deficiency and related to increased PEPC activity. However, the increase in contents was associated with an increase in exudation for the low-P tolerant genotype only. The low-P susceptible genotype was characterized by high organic acid content in roots and low organic acid exudation. The organic acids content in the phloem exudates of shoots was related to root exudation under different P supply, to the difference between lines in organic acids root content, but not to the low-P tolerance or susceptibility of maize genotypes.     

Biochemical alterations in leaves of resistant and susceptible cotton genotypes infected systemically by cotton leaf curl Burewala virus

Leaf curl disease caused by Cotton Leaf Curl Burewala virus (CLCuBuV) has been recognized as serious threat to cotton in Indian subcontinent. However, information about cotton–CLCuBuV interaction is still limited. In this study, the level of phenolic compounds, total soluble proteins, and malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), peroxidase (POX), catalase (CAT), proteases, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) were studied in leaves of two susceptible (CIM-496 & NIAB-111) and two resistant (Ravi and Co Tiep Khac) cotton genotypes. Disease symptoms were mild in the resistant genotypes but were severe in highly susceptible genotypes. The results showed that phenolic compounds, proteins, PAL, POX, CAT, proteases, SOD, PPO, and MDA play an active role in disease resistance against CLCuBuV. The amount of total phenols, proteases, MDA, and PPO was significantly higher in leaves of CLCuBuV-inoculated plants of both resistant genotypes as in non-inoculated plants, and decreased in CLCuBuV-inoculated plants of both susceptible genotypes over their healthy plants. POX, protein content, SOD, and PAL activities showed lower values in resistant genotypes, while they decreased significantly in susceptible genotypes as compared to the noninoculated plants except PAL, which showed non-significant decrease. CAT was found to be increased in both susceptible and resistant genotypes with maximum percent increase in resistant genotype Ravi, as compared to non-inoculated plants. The results showed significantly higher concentrations of total phenols and higher activity of protease, MDA, SOD, and PPO in resistant genotype Ravi after infection with CLCuBuV, suggesting that there is a correlation between constitutive induced levels of these enzymes and plant resistance that could be considered as biochemical markers for studying plant-virus compatible and incompatible interactions.     

Effect of cucumber mosaic virus infection on morphology,yield and phenolic contents of tomato

Ten tomato genotypes were screened for their resistance against cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and its vector Myzus persicae under natural infection in field, using aphids M. persicae under net-house and mechanical inoculation under greenhouse. Large differences were observed among genotypes for infection percentage (IP) and severity index (SI) among the testing methods used. All genotypes showing tolerance to CMV in the field or through aphid inoculation, however, become susceptible and highly susceptible after mechanical inoculation. All the test genotypes also showed susceptibility to the aphid M. persicae population. Plants inoculated with CMV showed substantial decrease in yield and yield-contributing parameters which varied with cultivars that probably depended upon its genetic make up. All the test genotypes exhibited 0.97–30.19% decrease in plant height, 11.47–52.65% decrease in root length, 46.56–95.56% decrease in fresh plant weight, 65.78–92.84% decrease in root fresh weight, 19.97–87.65% decrease in the dry weight of plants, 75.63–95.43% decrease in dry root weight, 69.51–95.65% reduction in the number of fruits and 89.04–99.89% decrease in yield per plants. After 15 days of inoculation, the quantitative analysis using double beam spectrophotometer showed an increase in total phenolics in CMV-inoculated plants as compared to un-inoculated plants among genotypes. Similarly the thin layer chromatography (TLC) on silica gel G indicated that the number of phenolic compounds was increased in most of the inoculated genotypes while in others they were either decreased or remained same.     

Carbohydrate, Amino acid, Phenolic and Mineral Nutrient Contents of Pepper Plants in Relation to Age-Related Resistance to Phytophthora capsici

The relationship between age-related resistance of peper plants to Phytophthora capsici and contents of carbohydrates, amino acids, phenolics and mineral nutrients in pepper stems was studied using two pepper cultivars, Hanbyul (susceptible) and Kingkun (resistant). With increasing age of pepper plants, the two cultivars, which differ in their susceptibility to Phytophthora blight, became gradually resistant to the disease. The cultivar Kingkun distinctly showed the age-related resistance to Phytophthora blight at the second branch stage. The weight of dry matter in healthy stems of pepper plants at the second branch stage was twice that at the six leaf stage. The resistant cultivar Kingkun contained lower levels of fructose, glucose and sucrose in stems than the susceptible cultivar Hanbyul at the different developmental stages. No consistent differences between the developmental stages of the plants were recognized with regard to their glucose content. However, the contents of fructose and sucrose in the cultivar Hanbyul greatly increased at the second branch stage. The levels of inositol reduced in both pepper cultivars during plant development. In view of the fact that there were only slight changes in the amount of total amino acids, it seems unlikely that there is a relationship between the amino acid metabolism and the retardation of Phytophthora infection during plant development. The amounts of total phenolic compounds in pepper stems were relatively low at the later growth stages of the plants and also in the resistant cultivar Kingkun. The contents of macroelemental nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium were drastically reduced in pepper stems at the later plant growth stage. No significant differences between the cultivars or the plant growth stages were found in the silicon and microelemental nutrients such as sodium, iron, zinc and manganese. These results suggest that the expression of age-related resistance of pepper plants may be due to the morphological and nutritional changes in tissues of pepper stems during ageing, i.e. the pronounced increase in weight of dry matter, the significant decrease in amounts of mineral nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium, and the tow contents of fructose, glucose and sucrose in the stem tissues.     

Biochemical Changes in Leaf Tissues of Taro [Colocasia esculenta L. (Schott)] Infected with Phytophthora colocasiae

The changes in some biochemical parameters due to Phytophthora leaf blight infection were assessed in leaf tissues of one resistant (DP‐25), two moderately resistant (Duradim and Jhankri) and one susceptible (N‐118) genotypes of taro [Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott]. Phytophthora spore suspension (15 000 spore/ml water) was sprayed onto the in vitro raised taro plantlets at 30 days after establishment in pots to induce disease. In comparison with the uninoculated leaves, blight infected leaves showed reduction in protein content and activity of nitrate reductase and increase in total soluble sugar, reducing sugar content and activities of acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase among the studied genotypes. Changes in biochemical parameters under induced blight stress as compared with uninoculated control were less in resistant genotypes than that in susceptible genotype. The deviations in biochemical contents were highest in susceptible genotype N‐118. Based on the variations of above parameters under stress and non‐stress control among the four tested genotypes, the overall pattern of changes was N‐118 > Duradim > Jhankri > DP‐25, which is in accordance with the pattern of increasing resistance. The resistant genotypes could be used for commercial cultivation and genetic improvement programme to develop resistant varieties to Phytophthora leaf blight disease.     

Screen of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) genotypes against Phytophthora drechsleri and Fusarium solani,the causal agents of root rot disease

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) plants were affected by a severe root rot disease caused by Phytophthora drechsleri and Fusarium solani in Isfahan province of Iran during 2005–2007. Disease incidence was more than 30% in severely infected fields. Twenty-one safflower genotypes, including six local cultivars and 15 internal pure lines were evaluated for their resistance to root rot disease in laboratory and greenhouse conditions. Safflower seedlings were evaluated for lesion length on infected roots in laboratory, as well percentage of live seedlings in greenhouse. The results indicated a high negative correlation between lesion length on roots and percentage of live seedlings. The most resistant and susceptible genotypes to P. drechsleri were identified as pure line Karaj row 12 (KW12) and cultivar Koseh with lesion lengths of 10.01 and 15.51?mm on roots and 45.60 and 18.00% live seedlings, respectively. The most resistant genotype to F. solani was identified as pure line KW11 with a lesion length of 9.31?mm on roots as well 62.80% live seedlings. The most susceptible genotypes were identified as cultivar Koseh and pure lines KW2 and KW3 with lesion lengths of 13.29, 12.72 and 12.13?mm on roots and 25.60, 28.40 and 28.40% live seedlings, respectively. The most resistant genotypes to both P. drechsleri and F. solani were identified as pure lines KW15 and KW9 with a 55.40% live seedlings. The most susceptible genotypes were cultivars Koseh, Goldasht and pure lines KW6, KW3 and KW2 with 35.40, 35.40, 35.40, 37.60 and 37.60% live seedlings in greenhouse, respectively.     

Differentiation Among Bean Leafroll Virus Susceptible and Resistant Lentil and Faba Bean Genotypes on the Basis of Virus Movement and Multiplication

Systemic movement of Bean leafroll virus (BLRV) in susceptible and resistant lentil and faba bean genotypes was studied using plants grown in a plastic house. All the plants studied were inoculated with BLRV by viruliferous pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum). Five plants/genotype of lentil and faba bean were harvested, respectively, at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 days and 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 weeks after inoculation. Each plant was split into growing point, stem, stem base and root, and each was tested using tissue blot immunoassays (TBIA). Virus concentration in each section was estimated using a 0–3 score and a relative TBIA value was estimated accordingly for each genotype. In susceptible lentil genotypes (ILL 8063 and ILL 2581), BLRV was present in low concentrations in the growing point 3 days after inoculation and in high concentrations in all parts of the plant after 6 days. By contrast, the virus was not detected in the highly resistant genotype (ILL 74) until 18 days after inoculation. In the faba bean genotypes studied, BLRV was detected in high concentrations in all parts of the highly susceptible genotype (Fiord) 1 week after inoculation but only after 3 weeks in resistant genotypes (e.g. BPL 5274), but was not detected in the highly resistant genotypes (BPL 5278 and BPL 5279) 5 weeks after inoculation. The replication and systemic movement of BLRV was thus slower in resistant genotypes than in susceptible genotypes. Moreover, the use of TBIA scores clearly and easily differentiated resistant and susceptible genotypes. Our results suggest that BLRV movement and multiplication can be useful criteria when differentiating resistant from susceptible genotypes. In addition, undertaking the preliminary screening in a plastic house requires less space than direct planting in the field.     

Kinetics and Histopathology of the Cacao-Ceratocystis cacaofunesta Interaction

Theobroma cacao L., the chocolate tree, is an important tropical tree-crop that provides sustainable economic and environmental benefits to some of the poorest and most ecologically sensitive areas of the world. Ceratocystis wilt (CW), caused by the fungus Ceratocystis cacaofunesta, is a highly dangerous disease capable of killing the cacao plant. Histopathological studies of the host–pathogen interaction are an effective resource to study pathogenesis which will ultimately lead to a better elucidation of the mechanisms of host resistance. We analyzed the development of C. cacaofunesta reproductive structures, the pattern of fungal colonization and the anatomical responses of cacao resistant (TSH 1188) and susceptible (CCN 51) genotypes to CW. Results showed that conidia germination started within 4 h after inoculation (hai) in agar, by 12 hai conidia germination was 80 %. The resistant genotype showed little or no fungal colonization compared to the susceptible genotype. Host reactions were characterized by greater quantities of gels, gums and tyloses in the susceptible genotypes compared to the resistant. The susceptible genotype had a large number of cells surrounding the xylem vessels that were infused with dark brown phenolic compounds. The host defense reaction observed near the xylem in the resistant genotype, suggest that a mechanism involved with resistance to C. cacaofunesta.     

Evaluation of orange-fleshed sweet potato (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ipomoea batatas</Emphasis> L.) genotypes for salt tolerance through shoot apex culture under in vitro NaCl mediated salinity stress conditions

Fifteen genotypes of sweet potato were evaluated for salinity stress tolerance under in vitro NaCl mediated salinity stress conditions (MS, MS + 0.5% and MS + 1.0% NaCl). The growth parameters such as number of leaves, number of shoots, number of roots, length of plantlets and length of roots decreased significantly among the genotypes with increase in level of salinity. Of the 15 genotypes tested, six genotypes (108X1, 90/606, 90/696, CIP 8, S-30X15 and SP-61) were unable to sprout even at 0.5% NaCl and were characterized as susceptible to salt stress, three genotypes (CIP 6, 90/774 and CIP 3) which could tolerate 0.5% NaCl as moderately tolerant and six genotypes (CIP 12, CIP 13, JO 14, JP 13, SB-198/115 and Gouri) as tolerant to salinity at 1.0% NaCl. Amongst the six genotypes showing tolerance to 1.0% NaCl, the exotic genotypes––JP 13, CIP 12 and indigenous one SB-198/115 continued to exhibit significant higher values for growth parameters over the susceptible one. Based on the performance under NaCl mediated salinity stress (1.0%), the pattern of salinity tolerance in the genotypes through shoot apex culture was JP 13 > SB-198/115 > JO 14 > Gouri > CIP 12 > CIP 13. The effect of salt stress on the activity of antioxidative enzymes was studied in leaves of 8-week-old plantlets of those six genotypes, which responded at higher NaCl stress along with a susceptible genotype 90/606. In leaves of salt stressed plants, superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT) activities increased when compared with the stress free control. The increase was more pronounced in the tolerant genotypes than that in the susceptible one. These results indicate that oxidative stress may play an important role in salt stressed sweet potato plants and that the greater protection of tolerant plants from salt induced oxidative damage results, at least in part, through the increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes.     

Effects of Ozone Exposure on Resistance of Wheat Genotypes to Pyrenophora tritici-repentis

Three spring wheat genotypes, susceptible, moderately resistant or resistant to Pyrenophora tritici-repentis (tan spot fungus) were exposed to charcoal-filtered air and to approx. 80, 160, 240 (g m^?3 ozone for five consecutive days (7 h per day). Visible leaf injury on seedling plants (three-leaf stage) was only observed after fumigation with 160 or 240 (g m^?3 O₃. Amount of injury was four-fold and 10-fold on the susceptible genotype when compared to resistant or moderately resistant genotype at the two highest concentration of ozone, respectively. Genotypic differences to O₃ tolerance were detected at the seedling growth stage (three-leaf stage) and flowering stage but not at the stem elongation stage. A significant increase in tan spot lesion area was observed only on O₃ predisposed second top most leaves of the susceptible genotype at all the three levels of ozone. Predisposition did not enhance tan spot development in resistant and moderately resistant genotypes. In a test with 12 wheat genotypes, a highly significant positive correlation (r = 0· 986, p < 0· 0001) was observed between ozone sensitivity (percent leaf area damaged due to 240 (g m^?3 ozone exposure) and tan spot development (mm² lesion area) following inoculation with P. tritici-repentis. It indicates that wheat genotypes resistant to the tan spot fungus might be tolerant to ozone damage.     

Antioxidative enzymes and isozymes analysis of taro genotypes and their implications in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phytophthora</Emphasis> blight disease resistance

Assessment of the differential expression of antioxidative enzymes and their isozymes, was done in 30 day-old ex vitro raised plants of three highly resistant (DP-25, Jhankri and Duradim) and one highly susceptible (N-118) genotypes of taro [Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott]. Antioxidative enzymes were assayed in the ex vitro plants, 7 days after inoculation with the spores (15,000 spores ml⁻¹ water) of Phytophthora colocasiae Raciborski to induce taro leaf blight disease. Uninoculated ex vitro plants in each genotype were used as control. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) increased under induced blight condition when compared with control. Increase in antioxidative enzymes was more (67–92%) in the resistant genotypes than that (21–29%) of the susceptible genotype. The zymograms of SOD and GPX in the resistant genotypes, with pathogenic infection, showed increased activity for anodal isoform of SOD and increased expression and/or induction of either POX 1 or POX 2 isoforms of GPX. In susceptible genotype, expression of the above isoforms was faint for SOD and nearly absent for GPX under both blight free and induced blight conditions. Induction and/or increased activity of particular isoform of SOD and GPX against infection of Phytophthora colocasiae in the resistant genotypes studied led to the apparent conclusion of linkage of isozyme expression with blight resistance in taro. This might be an important criterion in breeding of taro for Phytophthora leaf blight resistance.     

Flight behavior and oviposition of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Tuta absoluta</Emphasis> on susceptible and resistant genotypes of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Solanum lycopersicum</Emphasis>

Plants produce volatile chemical compounds that can negatively affect the preference (antixenosis) or the performance (antibiosis) of herbivorous insects. It is thought that these volatile compounds are used as cues by herbivorous insects to determine the suitability of the plant for egg deposition and, hence, offspring performance. Here, we investigated whether volatiles produced by tomato plants play a role in modulating the flight and oviposition behavior of mated Tuta absoluta females. We found that the behavioral steps displayed by mated females did not differ when they flew toward resistant or susceptible tomato genotypes, but they reached the susceptible genotypes faster than the resistant ones. Moreover, females landed more often and laid more eggs on the most susceptible genotype, the Santa Clara variety. Because this variety is known to be of high quality for the development of T. absoluta larvae, the female’s decision to land and lay more eggs on this genotype seems to be mainly to maximize offspring performance. However, this is not so straightforward because the proportion of landings and eggs laid by T. absoluta on another susceptible genotype tested in this study was not significantly higher than on the resistant genotypes. Finally, although future studies are still needed, considering the antixenotic and antibiotic traits of the resistant genotypes studied here, they are likely to succeed if used in integrated pest management.     

Evaluation of Cassava Cultivars for Resistance to Cassava Mosaic Disease and Yield Potential in Central African Republic

Eleven cassava genotypes were tested against cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and compared to a local susceptible cultivar in field conditions from June 2011 to July 2012 in Central African Republic (CAR) at two sites representative of the savanna (Damara) and forest (Pissa) zones of the country. The mean number of whiteflies observed on plants varied among genotypes within each site, but was found nearly three times higher at Damara than at Pissa, resulting in a CMD incidence nearly five times higher at Damara than at Pissa. However, no relation was observed between the number of insect on the plants and the level of susceptibility/resistance of the genotypes. The difference of disease pressure between the two sites revealed high level of resistance in several genotypes, while some other ones indicated rather only a partial resistance. Nevertheless, none of the genotypes tested was found immune, in the end, the virus being detected at least in one site in every genotype, including those ones presenting no symptoms in both sites. The impact of CMD on yield components was assessed on the local susceptible check and three partially resistant genotypes, showing that the disease has no significant effect on the tuberous roots number as well as their weight in both sites. The yield potential varied among different genotypes and between the two sites, the mean number of tuberous roots as well as their mean weight being higher in Damara than in Pissa. This study identified highly resistant genotypes such as ‘Gabon’ that performed well in both sites, and ‘91/02322’ that was symptomless and presented a yield potential equivalent to the local check. These genotypes could be distributed to growers with the main advantage to be resistant to CMD and, therefore, reducing the risk to spread sources of inoculum all over the cassava cropping areas in the country.     

Biotypes of Dasineura tetensi, differing in ability to gall and develop on black currant genotypes

Variation in damage levels on certain black currant, Ribes nigrum L., genotypes, caused by the black currant leaf midge, Dasineura tetensi (Rübs.) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), has been observed in northern Sweden. I investigated whether this variation is due to variation in virulence among midges. From a field population of midges, I successfully selected for virulence and avirulence, respectively, on the resistant black currant genotype cultivar `Storklas' (called resistant genotype). The performance of avirulent and virulent midge larvae on two black currant genotypes were studied in experiments where first or second instar larvae were artificially transferred. There were no differences in larval survival and developmental rate between the two midge types when transferred to the susceptible currant genotype `7801–31' (called susceptible genotype). Larvae of the virulent strain established galls and developed on `Storklas' but development was initially slower there than on the susceptible currant genotype. Larvae of the avirulent strain suffered high mortality or remained in first instar on that same currant genotype when transferred alone, but developed readily if transferred together with virulent larvae. Larvae transferred in second instar to host plants susceptible to the larvae resumed feeding and developed further to maturity. Second instar larvae were also able to establish new galls even though these galls were not as well developed as those caused by first instar larvae. Black currant plantations in northern Sweden were surveyed and local midge populations were found to be composed of either avirulent, virulent or a mixture of both midge types. Virulent midges were not restricted to plantations where resistant currant genotypes were grown. I conclude that, at least, two biotypes of the midge exist, and that those two are distinguished by the ability to gall and survive on `Storklas'.     

Restriction of Virus Movement into Axillary Buds is an Important Aspect of Resistance in Cassava to African cassava mosaic virus

Axillary buds and bark samples of resistant, moderately resistant and susceptible (control) cassava genotypes either naturally infected under field conditions or experimentally inoculated by grafting were indexed for African cassava mosaic virus (ACMV). Virus detection was carried out using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and polymerase chain reactions to determine the distribution of the virus within the plant and elucidate the genotypes response to virus movement. Significantly more bud and bark samples were positive for virus on the susceptible genotype TME 117 than resistant genotypes TMS 30001 and TMS 91/02319, or the moderately resistant genotype TMS 30572. Detectable virus concentration was significantly lower in the buds of moderately resistant and resistant genotypes than the susceptible control. Under field conditions, it was significant that more primary stem buds were infected than the buds of secondary and tertiary stems but such a gradient was not obvious with bark samples. Shoots that had asymptomic new leaves after the initial symptomatic leaves had no virus in their buds, but some of the bark samples from the same plants tested positive. A significant interaction was observed between year and stem type, and among year, genotype and stem type with respect to virus detection in bud and bark samples. Restriction of virus movement into axillary buds occurred in all the resistant and moderately resistant genotypes. This may explain ACMV‐infected stem cuttings of resistant genotypes producing healthy plants in subsequent generation.     

Multiple hormone analysis indicates involvement of jasmonate signalling in the early defence of potato to potato virus YNTN

The involvement of plant hormones in the very early response of plants to virus infection was studied in potato plants (Solanum tuberosum L.) infected with potato virus Y^NTN (PVY^NTN). Endogenous plant hormones and compounds mediating a stress response (JA-jasmonic acid, OPDA-12-oxo phytodienoic acid, SA-salicylic acid, IAA-indole-3-acetic acid, ABA-abscisic acid) were simultaneously quantified in susceptible cv. Désirée and resistant cv. Santé, one and three hours after inoculation. Of the hormones analysed, only the contents of endogenous JA and its precursor OPDA changed in a way that could be clearly connected with the early resistant response. In comparison to susceptible cultivar, a much more pronounced increase of JA was detected in virus-inoculated leaves of resistant cultivar at both time points. The same trend of changes was also observed with OPDA. However, there were no significant changes of JA and its precursor in upper intact systemic leaves and roots, at either time point. These findings implicate the jasmonate signalling pathway in a very early local but not systemic resistant defence of potato to PVY^NTN.     

Fractionated extracts of Russian wheat aphid eliciting defense responses in wheat

It is hypothesized that the interaction between aphids and plants follows a gene-for-gene model. The recent appearance of several new Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Kurdjumov) (Homoptera: Aphididae), biotypes in the United States and the differential response of wheat, Triticum aestivum L., genotypes containing different resistance genes also suggest a gene-for-gene interaction. However, aphid elicitors remain unknown. This study was conducted to identify fractionated Russian wheat aphid extracts capable of eliciting differential responses between resistant and susceptible wheat genotypes. We extracted whole soluble compounds and separated proteins and metabolites from two Russian wheat aphid biotypes (1 and 2), injected these extracts into seedlings of susceptible wheat Gamtoos (dn7) and resistant 94M370 (Dn7), and determined phenotypic and biochemical plant responses. Injections of whole extract or protein extract from both biotypes induced the typical susceptible symptom, leaf rolling, in the susceptible cultivar, but not in the resistant cultivar. Furthermore, multiple injections with protein extract from biotype 2 induced the development of chlorosis, head trapping, and stunting in susceptible wheat. Injection with metabolite, buffer, or chitin, did not produce any susceptible symptoms in either genotype. The protein extract from the two biotypes also induced significantly higher activities of three defense-response enzymes (catalase, peroxidase, and beta-glucanase) in 94M370 than in Gamtoos. These results indicate that a protein elicitor from the Russian wheat aphid is recognized by a plant receptor, and the recognition is mediated by the Dn7-gene product. The increased activities of defense-response enzymes in resistant plants after injection with the protein fraction suggest that defense response genes are induced after recognition of aphid elicitors by the plant.