Influence of strobilurin compounds on the development of Puccinia horiana

The effectiveness of 5 strobilurin fungicides: Acanto 250 SC, Amistar 250 SC, Discus 500 WG, Signum 33 WG, Zato 50 WG and Score 250 EC (triazole-standard) in the control of Puccinia horiana was tested on chrysanthemum cv. Melba Blane. Number of pustules per leaf was observed before treatment, as well as 2 and 4 weeks after treatment. Additionally, after 4 weeks, their influence on plant growth, size of pustules and eventually phytotoxicity were assessed. Plants were sprayed preventively and curatively 4 times at weekly intervals. In preventive programme after 4 weeks of investigations, average of about 1.5 spot per leaf was recorded on control plants. Disease symptoms did not appear on chrysanthemums protected by fungicides Signum 33 WG at concentration 0.18% and Zato 50 WG at concentration 0.015%. In case of the other tested fungicides only sporadically pustules on single leaves were noticed (over 95% of them were browned, dried and crumbled). On control plants more than 46% of leaves was infected but in case of the other investigated fungicides it was only 3-7%. Diameter of spots on plants protected with: Score 250 EC, Acanto 250 SC and Discus 500 WG was similar as on the leaves of control plants. On plants protected with Amistar 250 SC the diameter of pustules was significantly lower than on control plants. In curative programme after 4 weeks of tests, leaves of control plants had about 4 spots per leaf. On leaves sprayed with Score 250 EC at concentration 0.05% there were 4 times less spots than on control plants. Chrysanthemums treated with tested strobilurin fungicides had about 2 times less pustules than on control plants. Diameter of spots on control plant leaves was 3.6 mm and was similar as on chrysanthemums protected with tested fungicides. On leaves of control plants all pustules were active without visible changes or damage but in case of the investigated fungicides almost 100% of them were browned, dried and crumbled. After 4 weeks of experiment, a measured height of control plants was about 125 mm and was similar to the height of plants protected with tested fungicides except Signum 33 WG, which stimulated plant growth. None of tested compounds showed phytotoxic effect.     

Effectiveness of some substances in the control of carrot and parsley roots against fungal diseases

Field experiments were carried out in the years 2005 and 2006 on carrot cv. 'Koral' and 'Perfekcja', and parsley cv. 'Berlinska' and 'Cukrowa'. Effectiveness of substances: Biochikol 020 PC (biologically active substances BAS--chitosan 20 g/dm3), Bioczos BR (extract of garlic 10 g/1 brick) and Biosept 33 SL (extract of grapefruit 33%) on seedling roots of carrot and parsley was studied. As the standard fungicide Zaprawa Funaben T (carbendazim 20% + tiuram 45%) was used. Roots of carrot and parsley were treated one of tested substances spring immediately before planting seedling roots. During vegetation period the growth of seedling shoots and setting of seeds, and their infestation by fungal and bacterial pathogens was noticed. Among substances used for spring dressing of carrot and also parsley seedling roots, the best efficacy exhibited Zaprawa Funaben T in both years of observation. The highest yield of carrot seeds had combination roots cv. 'Koral' and parsley seeds roots cvs 'Berlińska' and 'Cukrowa' dressed Zaprawa Funaben T. Effectiveness of biopreparates Biochikol and Biosept was lower in comparison with the standard fungicide, but their protective effect was significantly higher than in control. Bioczos had the lowest control efficacy.     

Plastid-expressed betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase gene in carrot cultured cells, roots, and leaves confers enhanced salt tolerance

Salinity is one of the major factors that limits geographical distribution of plants and adversely affects crop productivity and quality. We report here high-level expression of betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH) in cultured cells, roots, and leaves of carrot (Daucus carota) via plastid genetic engineering. Homoplasmic transgenic plants exhibiting high levels of salt tolerance were regenerated from bombarded cell cultures via somatic embryogenesis. Transformation efficiency of carrot somatic embryos was very high, with one transgenic event per approximately seven bombarded plates under optimal conditions. In vitro transgenic carrot cells transformed with the badh transgene were visually green in color when compared to untransformed carrot cells, and this offered a visual selection for transgenic lines. BADH enzyme activity was enhanced 8-fold in transgenic carrot cell cultures, grew 7-fold more, and accumulated 50- to 54-fold more betaine (93-101 micromol g(-1) dry weight of beta-Ala betaine and Gly betaine) than untransformed cells grown in liquid medium containing 100 mm NaCl. Transgenic carrot plants expressing BADH grew in the presence of high concentrations of NaCl (up to 400 mm), the highest level of salt tolerance reported so far among genetically modified crop plants. BADH expression was 74.8% in non-green edible parts (carrots) containing chromoplasts, and 53% in proplastids of cultured cells when compared to chloroplasts (100%) in leaves. Demonstration of plastid transformation via somatic embryogenesis utilizing non-green tissues as recipients of foreign DNA for the first time overcomes two of the major obstacles in extending this technology to important crop plants.     

Effectiveness of some means using against root rot on parsley seedling root

The results of a two-year study concern the effectiveness of 4 substances--biopreparate Chitosol (beta-1,4 D-glucosamine polymer) and fungicides: Rovral Flo 255 SC (BAS iprodione 255 g/dm3), Sportak Alpha 380 EC (BAS prochloraz 0,300 dm3/dm3 and carbendazim 80 g/dm3) and Zaprawa Funaben T (carbendazim 20% + tiuram 45%)--used against root rot and plant rot was described. These experiments were conducted in glasshouse and field conditions. Root of parsley cultivar Berlińska were treated one of tested substances autumn before storage period in clamp or spring immediately before planting seedling roots. The results showed that autumn dressing was ineffective, indices of root infestation were similar in each combination including control in both years of observation. Spring dressing was better, but not only in controls were many parsley plants decaying in the fields. Among substances used for spring dressing of seedling roots, the best efficacy exhibited Zaprawa Funaben T and Sportak Alpha 380 EC.     

Changes of zeatin riboside content in rice plants due to infestation by Nilaparvata lugens (Homoptera: Delphacidae)

The effect of Nilaparvata lugens (St?l) (Homoptera: Delphacidae), infestation on the content of zeatin ribosides (ZR) in rice plants was investigated with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hydroponics experiments were conducted on 'Zhendao 2' rice, in which plants were subjected to N. lugens infestation at three nonhopperburn-causing densities (15, 30, and 60 nymphs per hill) for 2, 4, 6, and 8 d and at one hopperburn-causing density (240 nymphs per hill) for 2, 4, and 6 d, respectively. When rice plants were infested at the nonhopperburn-causing densities, ZR content in leaves varied significantly with the infestation density. Compared with the control plants, ZR content in rice leaves decreased significantly after infestation by 60 nymphs per hill for 2 d, but it tended to increase due to prolonged infestation at all the nonhopperburn-causing densities. In contrast, ZR content in rice roots significantly reduced after the plants being infested at the density of 15 nymphs for 2 d and at all densities for prolonged duration, except for the plants infested by 60 nymphs for 6 and 8 d, in which the ZR content increased or did not change significantly. However, infestation at the hopperburn-causing density caused significant reduction in ZR content in rice roots, regardless of infestation duration, and in rice leaves from the plants subjected to 2-d infestation. These results are discussed in relation to the possible physiological reaction of rice plants to N. lugens infestation and the resultant severe damage or hopperburn.     

The effect of Brevicoryne brassicae on leaf area, dry matter distribution and amino acids of the Brussels sprout plant

Twenty-six direct or derived criteria were assessed, eight wk after infestation, of the effect of an initial inoculum of 0, 5, 25 or 50 Brevicoryne brassicae on the growth and dry matter distribution of Brussels sprout plants. Twenty-four of these criteria showed significant (P > 0.05) effects of aphid infestation, though increasing aphid infestation above 5/plant had little further effect. Total fresh and dry weight (as well as of the components — leaves, stems and roots) was reduced by 25–730 with infestation, particularly so the root. The number of leaves as well as individual leaf area was reduced, and leaves on infested plants were less efficient assimilators. This could be explained by the drain on assimilates caused by the aphids, the leaf curling and the reduced density of stomata. The latter was also considered to account partly for the increased moisture content of infested plants. There was a general reduction in the concentration of leaf amino acids.     

Managing the pepper maggot (Diptera: Tephritidae) using perimeter trap cropping

A perimeter trap crop barrier of hot cherry peppers, border-row insecticide applications, and a combination of the two management strategies were evaluated to see if they could protect a centrally located main crop of bell peppers from oviposition and infestation by the pepper maggot, Zonosemata electa (Say). In large plots, the main cash crop of bell peppers was protected from the majority of the oviposition and infestation by all three barriers. The combination sprayed/trap crop barrier provided the best protection against both oviposition and infestation and resulted in over 98% pest-free fruit at harvest. Maggots infested only 1.7% of the main crop fruit when protected by a sprayed or unsprayed trap crop barrier, compared with 15.4% in control plots. The perimeter sprayed/trap crop strategy was employed in three commercial fields in 2000 and 2001. The combination barrier resulted in superior insect control and reduced insecticide use at all commercial locations, compared with the same farms' past history or to farms using conventional and integrated pest management (IPM) methods. Economic analysis showed that the technique is more cost effective and profitable than relying on whole-field insecticide applications to control the pepper maggot. Farmer users were surveyed and found the perimeter trap crop technique simple to use, with many hard-to-measure benefits associated with worker protection issues, marketing, personnel/management relations, pest control and the environment. Use of the perimeter trap crop technique as part of an IPM or organic program can help improve crop quality and overall farm profitability, while reducing pesticide use and the possibility of secondary pest outbreaks.     

Effects of carrot psyllid (Trioza apicalis) feeding on carrot yield and content of sugars and phenolic compounds

Carrot psyllid, Trioza apicalis, is a serious pest of carrot in Northern Europe, as it can significantly damage young carrot seedlings in a period as short as 3 days. This study was conducted to investigate effects of carrot psyllid feeding at different plant growth stages on carrot yield and to assess changes in content of sugars, phenolics and related compounds in carrot roots resulting from the psyllid feeding. In addition, reflectance of carrot leaves was measured to assess the intensity of discolouration in damaged leaves. Results showed that carrot yield was significantly reduced by a 3‐day carrot psyllid feeding period when the seedlings were exposed to psyllids at 1‐ or 2‐leaf stage. However, at 4‐leaf stage feeding by one carrot psyllid did not reduce yield. Sucrose concentration in the damaged roots was significantly decreased, whereas concentrations of some phenolic compounds were significantly increased. The reflectance of leaves of damaged carrots differed significantly from those of undamaged control leaves. These observations indicate that carrot psyllid damage has potential to lower not only the carrot yield, but also the carrot crop quality. No phytoplasma was detected in the carrots exposed to psyllids, but recently, T. apicalis has been associated with ‘Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum’. The role of carrot psyllid feeding and the psyllid‐associated bacterium in the damage formation are discussed.     

Efficacy of Three Natural Chemicals to Reduce the Damage of Erysiphe cichoracearum on Chicory in Two Meteorologically Different Growing Seasons

In two meteorologically quite different years, 2002 and 2003, efficacy of three natural substances with a fungicidal activity (sulphur, soya lecithin, salicylic acid) for control of Erysiphe cichoracearum on chicory was tested. In a block designed field experiment, there were statistically significant differences in the mean index of infection of exterior leaves, in the mean total weight and mean net weight of the plants (= total weight − weight of removed damaged leaves). There was also a significant difference in firmness of the heads of nine chicory varieties that was established in both years. In 2002, when no extreme weather conditions occurred, the fungus spread to a substantially larger extent. Yet no statistically significant differences were found in the efficacy of environmentally friendly fungicidal substances for control of the fungus. In the hotter and drier year of 2003, which was less favourable for spread of the pathogen, sulphur‐containing fungicide was the most effective. In 2002, chicory yield was lower than in 2003. Generally, yield loss due to removal of damaged leaves was from 30.7 to 45.0% in the first year, and from 11.3 to 24.8% in the second. The highest mean total yield and net yield of chicory were in plants, which were treated three times with sulphur‐containing fungicide. In 2002, the most firm heads were in plants treated with sulphur. In 2003, no significant differences among substances were detected. The most infected with the powdery mildew caused by E. cichoracearum, were the less productive varieties of chicory. A statistically significant relationship was not found between the firmness of the heads and the degree of infection. Among different parameters in this experiment, the only relevant and high statistically significant positive correlation (r² = 0.71) was determined between the total weight of the plants and yield loss of chicory due to infection with the fungus in question.     

稻镰状瓶霉对水稻白叶枯病的生物防治

本文研究了野生稻暗色有隔内生真菌稻镰状瓶霉与水稻的共生关系,通过根部接种DsRED荧光标记菌株,观察稻镰状瓶霉在水稻根系内的定殖,并对其抗白叶枯病特性进行调查,结果发现：经叶部接种白叶枯病菌后,对照组发病严重,病级集中在7级和9级,分别占比43.33%和34.67%,病情指数为79.26;相比之下,接种了稻镰状瓶霉的水稻植株发病较轻,叶片病斑面积小,并伴随零星黑色过敏性坏死斑出现,未发病植株占8%,72%的植株病级为1级,病情指数仅为15.26。稻镰状瓶霉对水稻白叶枯病的防治效果达到80.75%。稻镰状瓶霉的定殖能够引起叶片中超氧化物歧化酶、过氧化氢酶和过氧化物酶活性极显著提高,分别是对照组的5.26、12.08和10.53倍;诱导PR1a和PR1b显著上调表达8.71和3.37倍,AOS、OsSAUR2和EL5基因显著下调表达0.28、0.57和0.65倍。利用野生稻内生真菌防控水稻白叶枯病,在国内外尚属首次,可为水稻白叶枯病的生物防治提供新途径。     

Quantification of the Relative Abundance of Plastome to Nuclear Genome in Leaf and Root Tissues of Carrot (Daucus carota L.) Using Quantitative PCR

Carrot (Daucus carota L.) is an important horticultural crop with significant health benefits, providing provitamin A carotenoids in the human diet. Carotenoids primarily serve as photoprotectants in leaves during photosynthesis where they accumulate in chloroplasts. Carotenoids can also accumulate in chromoplasts, non-chlorophyll-containing plastids, in non-photosynthetic organs such as the storage roots of carrot. Therefore, plastid development is closely associated with carotenoid accumulation. The biosynthesis of chromoplasts, or more specifically the conversion of chloroplasts to chromoplasts, has been studied in a number of carotenoid-accumulating plant species, but the presence of the plastome had not been confirmed in non-pigmented carrot storage root. In this study, the plastome was confirmed to occur in similar relative abundance (plastome–nuclear genome ratio) in yellow and orange carrot storage roots while dark orange storage roots had significantly higher plastome content than white cultivated carrots. In the leaf tissue of these same plants, the relative abundance of the plastome was similar across genotypes but was lower than the ratio of plastid to nuclear genome in the root tissue of pigmented storage rooted carrot. This study is the first quantification of the ratio of plastome to nuclear genome in storage root and confirms the presence of the plastome in both pigmented and non-pigmented carrot storage root tissue.     

Antisense repression of sucrose synthase in carrot (Daucus carota L.) affects growth rather than sucrose partitioning

To unravel the roles of sucrose synthase in carrot, we reduced its activity in transgenic carrot plants by an antisense approach. For this purpose, the cDNA for the main form of carrot sucrose synthase was expressed in antisense orientation behind the 35S promoter of cauliflower mosaic virus. In independent antisense plant lines grown in soil, sucrose synthase activity was reduced in tap roots but not in leaves. In the sink organs, sucrose utilization was markedly decreased and higher levels of sucrose but lower levels of UDP-glucose, glucose, fructose, starch and cellulose were found. The phenotype of the antisense plants clearly differed from that of control plants. Both leaves and roots were markedly smaller, and the antisense line with the lowest sucrose synthase activity also developed the smallest plants. In most of the plant lines, the leaf-to-root dry weight ratios were not changed, suggesting that sucrose synthase in carrot is a major determinant of plant growth rather than of sucrose partitioning. In contrast to the acid invertases, which are critical for partitioning of assimilated carbon between source leaves and tap roots (Tang et al., Plant Cell 11: 177–189 (1999)), sucrose synthase appears to be the main sucrose-cleaving activity, feeding sucrose into metabolism.     

褐飞虱侵害对水稻叶片、根SOD活性及丙二醛含量的影响

以分蘖期水稻协优963、TN1为供试材料,研究褐飞虱Nilaparvata lugens(St(a)l)侵害后水稻叶片、根超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性、丙二醛(MDA)含量变化情况.结果表明:协优963、TN1叶片SOD活性变化不明显;15和30头/株侵害协优963后3、6、9d根SOD活性分别显著下降了88.4%和7...     

Occurrence of downy mildews on ornamental plants and their control by chemical compounds

The downy mildew on Coreopsis grandiflora caused by Plasmopara halstedii was observed during summer, mainly in July and August. Symptoms of the disease were first seen on external leaves and progressively spread to inner parts of plant rosette. On Alyssum saxatile downy mildew symptoms induced by Peronospora parasitica were observed during whole vegetation period with the strongest expression in early spring and late summer. Amistar 250 SC (25% azoxystrobine), Mildex 711,9 WG (66.7% phosethyl aluminium + 4.4% fenamidone), Previcur Energy 840 SL (530 g/l propamocarb + 310 g/l phosetyl aluminium) and Tanos 50 WG (25% cymoxanil + 25% famoxate) were used for pathogens control. In the protection of Coreopsis grandiflora against P. halstedii all tested compounds, applied curatively, decreased sporulation of the pathogen. On treaded plants at least 4-time less leaves were diseased. In the control of P. parasitica on Alyssum saxatile, the smallest number of swallowed structures on leaves was noticed on plants treated with azoxystrobine at conc. 250 microg/cm3.     

Pyrosequencing reveals the impact of foliar fungicide application to chickpea on root fungal communities of durum wheat in subsequent year

Frequent application of foliar fungicide is essential for chickpea production due to the susceptibility of this plant to ascochyta blight. Chlorothalonil, pyraclostrobin, and boscalid are commonly used to control the disease in Saskatchewan. While fungicides are meant to target specific fungal pathogens, they may impact non-target organisms and alter soil microbial community structure. The effects of the typical 5-time foliar fungicide application program to chickpea CDC Vanguard on the fungal communities associated with seminal and adventitious roots of the following durum wheat crop were studied in a 2 yr field experiment. Root fungal communities were characterized through analysis of the ITS1 region of root metagenomic DNA at the genus level. One hundred and seven fungal genera were detected in durum wheat roots. Fusarium was predominant in both years. A three-way interaction of fungicide application, root type and year on fungal community structure was detected. Unlike Fusarium, the relative abundances of the genera Olpidium, Alternaria, and Cryptococcus were greater in 2010, a very wet year. Fungicide application to chickpea increased the relative abundance of Fusarium in the seminal roots of a subsequent durum crop in 2009, but did not affect the relative abundance of Fusarium in 2010. We could not detect a significant impact of fungicide application to chickpea on durum wheat yield in the subsequent year. The effect of changes in root fungal communities on durum wheat grain yield is discussed.     

褐飞虱胁迫下两种水稻不同生育期玉米素核苷含量动态

应用酶联免疫吸附法（enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, ELISA）研究了在褐飞虱胁迫下镇稻2号（粳稻）和协优63（籼稻）抽穗期和灌浆期水稻叶片和根中玉米素核苷（zeatin riboside, ZR）含量变化情况。结果表明, 镇稻2号抽穗期ZR含量变化比灌浆期对褐飞虱侵害更为敏感,密度分别为15、30、60、120头/株的褐飞虱侵害水稻抽穗期3、6、9天后,叶片和根中ZR含量显著下降;灌浆期除各个褐飞虱密度侵害9天叶片中ZR含量和120头/株褐飞虱密度侵害9天根部ZR含量显著下降外,其他处理根和叶片中ZR含量下降不明显。协优63抽穗期受褐飞虱侵害后体内ZR的变化不同于镇稻2号,密度分别为15、30、60头/株的褐飞虱侵害3天后,叶片中ZR含量明显升高;在灌浆期,除30、60、120头/株褐飞虱密度侵害6天和120头/株褐飞虱密度侵害9天叶片中ZR含量有显著增加外,其他处理变化不明显。表明不同品种水稻在不同密度褐飞虱侵害下对根和叶片中ZR含量有不同的影响。     

Short feeding period of carrot psyllid (Trioza apicalis) females at early growth stages of carrot reduces yield and causes leaf discolouration

Overwintered adult carrot psyllids [Trioza apicalis Förster (Homoptera: Psylloidea: Triozidae)] damage carrot [(Daucus carota ssp. sativum L.) (Apiaceae)] seedlings by phloem feeding on the leaves. The aim of this study was to investigate the carrot root and shoot growth in relation to carrot psyllid density during early growth stages. One, two, or three carrot psyllids were allowed to feed on carrot seedlings for 3 days. Leaf damage was measured at the 8‐leaf stage, and root, leaf fresh weight, and number of true leaves were measured at harvest. Both the age of the carrot seedling at infestation and the psyllid density had a significant effect on leaf damage at the 8‐leaf stage: seedlings damaged at the cotyledon stage exhibited more leaf damage than seedlings damaged at the 1‐leaf stage. A higher psyllid density significantly reduced the carrot root weight at harvest. The significant interaction of psyllid density with seedling age indicates that differently aged carrot seedlings responded differently to feeding: one psyllid feeding for 3 days at the cotyledon stage caused a significant yield loss, whereas three psyllids were needed to cause the same impact at the 1‐leaf stage. Carrot leaf weight at harvest was not reduced by carrot psyllid feeding: leaves recovered from the damage but roots did not. Our results confirm the farmers’ observations that a trap replacement period of 1 week for carrot psyllid monitoring is too long, especially at the cotyledon stage. Severe leaf discolouration on damaged carrots was observed at harvest. The possible reasons for this discolouration, such as toxin excreted in psyllid saliva or plant pathogenic mycoplasma infection, are discussed.     

Evaluation of tricin,a stylet probing stimulant of brown planthopper,in infested and non‐infested rice plants

The flavone, tricin (5,7,4′‐trihydroxy‐3′,5′‐dimethoxyflavone), is a valuable secondary metabolite that is common in gramineous plants, including cultivated rice (Oryza sativa). It can defend the rice plant against infestation by the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens Stål, one of the most important pests of rice. This study evaluated the tricin concentration in infested and non‐infested rice plants. The results of the liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) quantitative analysis showed that the tricin concentration in rice leaves was significantly higher than in the stems and roots. The mass concentration of tricin in the leaves at the leaf stage was significantly higher than at the tiller and booting stages. The relationship between rice variety, BPH resistance and tricin concentration was investigated. There was a significant negative correlation between tricin concentration and the injury severity scores for rice varieties. Moreover, BPH infestation caused variations in tricin concentration among rice plants. High BPH infestation levels can significantly reduce the tricin concentration in rice plants. However, there is no significant effect of the length of infestation times on tricin concentrations in rice leaves. These results suggest that there may be an elicitor in BPH saliva, which is injected into rice plants during BPH infestation and triggers the tricin metabolic system. Future studies need to identify the elicitor and clarify the mechanism underlying tricin reduction in infested rice plants.     

Study of the relationship between the content of the rare earth element Eu in rice plants and in Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)

Abstract The current study investigated changes in the content of the rare earth element Europium (Eu) in roots, shoots and leaves of rice plants and in Nilaparvata lugens Stål (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) using an Eu marker and hydroponic culture. The results showed that N. lugens infestation significantly reduced Eu content in roots, shoots and leaves of two rice varieties, Shenyou 1 and Xieyou 963. The Eu content in roots, shoots and leaves of the susceptible variety, Shenyou 1, was significantly higher than that in the resistant variety, Xieyou 963. The Eu content of N. lugens fed on Shenyou 1 was significantly higher than of those fed on Xieyou 963. In addition, the Eu level was elevated at a higher density of N. lugens infestation. Eu content in the bodies of N. lugens was related to their weight and honeydew excretion, with a significant positive correlation. Thus, Eu content in the bodies of N. lugens can be considered an index of the amount of phloem sap taken in by N. lugens because the amount of honeydew excretion is proportional to the amount of phloem sap consumed. The ratios of Eu content in N. lugens to that in roots, shoots and leaves of rice plants were elevated at a higher N. lugens infestation density. That ratio was maximal in leaves, was intermediate in shoots and was minimal in roots. There was no significant difference in ratios between the two plant varieties. An Eu marker may be useful in the screening of resistant varieties and in the study of the mechanisms of resistance.