Plants

Research

Jump to: Review

13 pages, 1679 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using Detached Industrial Hemp Leaf Inoculation Assays to Screen for Varietal Susceptibility and Product Efficacy on Botrytis cinerea

by Karen Kirkby, Sharlene Roser and Krista Plett

Plants 2023, 12(18), 3278; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12183278 - 15 Sep 2023

Viewed by 998

Abstract

In greenhouse production, grey mould caused by Botrytis cinerea Pers. is one of the most widespread and damaging diseases affecting medicinal cannabis (MC). Fungicide options to control this disease are extremely limited due to the regulations surrounding fungicides and chemical residues as the [...] Read more.

In greenhouse production, grey mould caused by Botrytis cinerea Pers. is one of the most widespread and damaging diseases affecting medicinal cannabis (MC). Fungicide options to control this disease are extremely limited due to the regulations surrounding fungicides and chemical residues as the product end users are medical patients, often with compromised immune systems. Screening for alternative disease control options, such as biological and organic products, can be time-consuming and costly. Here, we optimise and validate a detached leaf assay as a quick and non-destructive method to evaluate interactions between plants and pathogens, allowing the assessment of potential pathogens’ infectivity and product efficacy. We tested eight industrial hemp varieties for susceptibility to B. cinerea infection. Using detached leaves from a susceptible variety, we screened a variety of chemical or organic products for efficacy in controlling the lesion development caused by B. cinerea. A consistent reduction in lesion growth was observed using treatments containing Tau-fluvalinate and Myclobutanil, as well as the softer chemical alternatives containing potassium salts. The performance of treatments was pH-dependent, emphasizing the importance of applying them at optimal pH levels to maximise their effectiveness. The detached leaf assay differentiated varietal susceptibility and was an effective method for screening treatment options for diseases caused by Botrytis. The results from the detached leaf assays gave comparable results to responses tested on whole plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungus and Plant Interactions)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 2227 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Biochemical Response of Soybean Cultivars Infected by Diaporthe Species Complex

by Kristina Petrović, Jovana Šućur Elez, Marina Crnković, Slobodan Krsmanović, Miloš Rajković, Boris Kuzmanović and Đorđe Malenčić

Plants 2023, 12(16), 2896; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12162896 - 8 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1723

Abstract

Oxidative stress in soybean plants infected with Diaporthe isolates was evaluated in order to select (1) the least aggressive inoculation method, (2) to determine the most aggressive Diaporthe isolate, and (3) to determine the most tolerant soybean cultivar to this isolate. Based on [...] Read more.

Oxidative stress in soybean plants infected with Diaporthe isolates was evaluated in order to select (1) the least aggressive inoculation method, (2) to determine the most aggressive Diaporthe isolate, and (3) to determine the most tolerant soybean cultivar to this isolate. Based on the present malondialdehyde (MDA) content, the main end product of the lipid peroxidation process, and the biomarker for oxidative stress, the mycelium contact method was chosen as the least aggressive inoculation method, compared to the toothpick method and plug method. The activity of the antioxidant enzymes (superoxide–dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and peroxidase (PX)), the reduced glutathione (GSH) content, and the level of lipid peroxidation (LP) were measured in soybean cv. Sava infected by five different Diaporthe species (DPM1F—D. aspalathi, DPC/KR19—D. caulivora, DPC004NY15—D. eres, 18-DIA-SOY-14—D. gulyae, and PL157A—D. longicolla). The most pathogenic Diaporthe species to cv. Sava was D. eres. The screening of the antioxidant enzymes activity in the leaves of 12 different soybean cultivars (Altona, Atlas, Capital, Chico, CX134, Favorit, Lakota, McCall, Morsoy, Strain, Rubin, and Victoria) infected with D. eres by the mycelium contact inoculation method showed that Capital, McCall, and Morsoy were the cultivars with the highest tolerance to D. eres, followed by Chico, Favorit, Lakota, and Rubin. The most sensitive cultivars were Atlas, CX134, Victoria, and Strain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungus and Plant Interactions)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 2514 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Susceptibility of the Most Popular Soybean Cultivars in South-East Europe to Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid

by Jovana Šućur Elez, Kristina Petrović, Marina Crnković, Slobodan Krsmanović, Miloš Rajković, Željko Kaitović and Đorđe Malenčić

Plants 2023, 12(13), 2467; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12132467 - 28 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1471

Abstract

Oxidative stress in soybean seedlings and the length of the soybean stem lesions infected with the fungus Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid were evaluated to determine the most tolerant soybean cultivar to this pathogen. The level of superoxide anion radical (O₂^•−) [...] Read more.

Oxidative stress in soybean seedlings and the length of the soybean stem lesions infected with the fungus Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid were evaluated to determine the most tolerant soybean cultivar to this pathogen. The level of superoxide anion radical (O₂^•−) production, the activity of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide-dismutase (SOD), and the intensity of lipid peroxidation (LP) were measured in four soybean cultivars: Favorit, Atlas, Victoria, and Rubin. Results showed that O₂^•− radical production and SOD activity were the most elevated in the cv. Favorit inoculated with M. phaseolina, while the level of lipid peroxidation intensity was the lowest compared to the control. This indicates that the soybean cv. Favorit has managed to prevent infection with M. phaseolina. Furthermore, higher O₂^•− radical production and lower SOD enzyme activity were measured in cv. Victoria, with enhanced lipid peroxidation. This means that the cv. Victoria was infected with M. phaseolina, and was the most sensitive. None of the tested oxidative stress parameters showed a significant difference in the cvs. Atlas and Rubin compared to the control. Furthermore, the highest lesion length was measured in the cv. Victoria, followed by cv. Favorit, while the lowest lesion length was measured in the cv. Atlas followed by the cv. Rubin; and thus, the cv. Atlas followed by the cv. Rubin, were the most tolerant soybean cultivars to this pathogen. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungus and Plant Interactions)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 2189 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification and Characterization of Fusarium Species Causing Watermelon Fruit Rot in Northern Thailand

by Wipornpan Nuangmek, Jaturong Kumla, Surapong Khuna, Saisamorn Lumyong and Nakarin Suwannarach

Plants 2023, 12(4), 956; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12040956 - 20 Feb 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5172

Abstract

Fruit rot caused by phytopathogenic fungi is one of the major diseases affecting watermelons (Citrullus lanatus) around the world, which can result in unmarketable fruits and significant economic losses. Fruit rot was observed on watermelons throughout the postharvest storage periods in [...] Read more.

Fruit rot caused by phytopathogenic fungi is one of the major diseases affecting watermelons (Citrullus lanatus) around the world, which can result in unmarketable fruits and significant economic losses. Fruit rot was observed on watermelons throughout the postharvest storage periods in Phayao Province, northern Thailand in 2022. For the present study, a total of ten fungal isolates were isolated from the rot lesions of watermelons. All obtained fungal isolates were then characterized in terms of their pathogenicity. The results indicated that only four fungal isolates caused rot disease with similar symptoms during the postharvest storage period. Based on their morphological characteristics, these four fungal isolates were identified as belonging to the genus Fusarium. Using multi-gene phylogenetic analyses with a combination of the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef-1), calmodulin (cam), and RNA polymerase second largest subunit (rpb2) genes, the fungal isolates were subsequently identified as Fusarium compactum and F. paranaense. Taken together, the results of this study indicate that F. compactum and F. paranaense cause fruit rot disease in watermelons. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report F. compactum and F. paranaense as novel pathogens of watermelon fruit rot both in Thailand and elsewhere in the world. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungus and Plant Interactions)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 3725 KiB

Open AccessArticle

First Report of Clonostachys rosea as a Mycoparasite on Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Causing Head Rot of Cabbage in India

by Ruppavalli M. Venkatesan, Karthikeyan Muthusamy, Johnson Iruthayasamy, Balakrishnan Prithiviraj, Parthiban V. Kumaresan, Pugalendhi Lakshmanan and Irene Vethamoni Perianadar

Plants 2023, 12(1), 199; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12010199 - 3 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2913

Abstract

Clonostachys rosea, an ascomycetous, omnipresent, cellulose-decaying soil fungus, has been reported to be a well-known mycoparasitic biological control agent. In this study, we isolated C. rosea, a mycoparasitic fungus for the first time in India from sclerotia of the notorious plant [...] Read more.

Clonostachys rosea, an ascomycetous, omnipresent, cellulose-decaying soil fungus, has been reported to be a well-known mycoparasitic biological control agent. In this study, we isolated C. rosea, a mycoparasitic fungus for the first time in India from sclerotia of the notorious plant pathogen Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, causing head rot disease in cabbage. A total of five mycoparasitic fungi were isolated from the sclerotial bodies of S. sclerotiorum (TNAU-CR 01, 02, 03, 04 and 05). All the isolates were tested under morpho-molecular characterization. Among them, TNAU-CR 02 showed the greatest mycelial inhibition of 79.63% over the control. Similarly, the SEM imaging of effective C. rosea isolates indicated the presence of numerous conidia destroying the outer cortex layers of sclerotia. Metabolite fingerprinting of C. rosea TNAU-CR 02 identified 18 chemical compounds using GC-MS analysis. The crude antibiotics of C. rosea TNAU-CR 02 were verified for their antifungal activity against S. sclerotiorum and the results revealed 97.17% mycelial inhibition compared with the control. Similarly, foliar application of TNAU-CR 02 at 5 mL/litre on 30, 45 and 60 days after transplanting showed the lowest disease incidence of 15.1 PDI compared to the control. This discovery expands our understanding of the biology and the dissemination of C. rosea, providing a way for the exploitation of C. rosea against cabbage head rot pathogens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungus and Plant Interactions)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 3387 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gene Expression, Histology and Histochemistry in the Interaction between Musa sp. and Pseudocercospora fijiensis

by Julianna Matos da Silva Soares, Anelita de Jesus Rocha, Fernanda dos Santos Nascimento, Vanusia Batista Oliveira de Amorim, Andresa Priscila de Souza Ramos, Cláudia Fortes Ferreira, Fernando Haddad and Edson Perito Amorim

Plants 2022, 11(15), 1953; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11151953 - 27 Jul 2022

Viewed by 1754

Abstract

Bananas are the main fruits responsible for feeding more than 500 million people in tropical and subtropical countries. Black Sigatoka, caused by the fungus Pseudocercospora fijiensis, is one of the most destructive disease for the crop. This fungus is mainly controlled with [...] Read more.

Bananas are the main fruits responsible for feeding more than 500 million people in tropical and subtropical countries. Black Sigatoka, caused by the fungus Pseudocercospora fijiensis, is one of the most destructive disease for the crop. This fungus is mainly controlled with the use of fungicides; however, in addition to being harmful to human health, they are associated with a high cost. The development of resistant cultivars through crosses of susceptible commercial cultivars is one of the main focuses of banana breeding programs worldwide. Thus, the objective of the present study was to investigate the interaction between Musa sp. and P. fijiensis through the relative expression of candidate genes involved in the defence response to black Sigatoka in four contrasting genotypes (resistant: Calcutta 4 and Krasan Saichon; susceptible: Grand Naine and Akondro Mainty) using quantitative real-time PCR (RT–qPCR) in addition to histological and histochemical analyses to verify the defence mechanisms activated during the interaction. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to the jasmonic acid and ethylene signalling pathway, GDSL-like lipases and pathogenesis-related proteins (PR-4), were identified. The number and distance between stomata were directly related to the resistance/susceptibility of each genotype. Histochemical tests showed the production of phenolic compounds and callosis as defence mechanisms activated by the resistant genotypes during the interaction process. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed pathogenic structures on the leaf surface in addition to calcium oxalate crystals. The resistant genotype Krasan Saichon stood out in the analyses and has potential for use in breeding programs for resistance to black Sigatoka in banana and plantains. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungus and Plant Interactions)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 2444 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Morphological, Molecular Identification and Pathogenicity of Neoscytalidium dimidiatum Causing Stem Canker of Hylocereus polyrhizus in Southern Thailand

by Kim Sreang Dy, Prisana Wonglom, Chaninun Pornsuriya and Anurag Sunpapao

Plants 2022, 11(4), 504; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11040504 - 12 Feb 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 6678

Abstract

Red-fleshed dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) is commonly cultivated in Thailand, especially in southern Thailand, where the weather favors plant growth and development. In 2021, stem canker of H. polyrhizus was observed in a dragon fruit plantation field in Phatthalung Province, southern [...] Read more.

Red-fleshed dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) is commonly cultivated in Thailand, especially in southern Thailand, where the weather favors plant growth and development. In 2021, stem canker of H. polyrhizus was observed in a dragon fruit plantation field in Phatthalung Province, southern Thailand. Small, orange circular spots developed on the stem of H. polyrhizus, which later became gray, and the lesion expanded with a mass of conidia. Scytalidium-like fungus was isolated from infected tissues. Based on morphology and phylogenetic analyses of internal transcribed spacer (ITS), nuclear large subunit (LSU) and β-tubulin (tub) sequences of fungal isolates, the fungus was identified as Neoscytalidium dimidiatum. Pathogenicity tests revealed that this isolate caused stem canker on the stem of H. polyrhizus, similar to that observed in the field. Knowledge of the diagnosis of plant diseases is an important step for managing plant diseases and therefore, this finding provides basic information for the development of appropriate strategies to manage stem canker disease on H. polyrhizus plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungus and Plant Interactions)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 1848 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Morphology Characterization, Molecular Identification, and Pathogenicity of Fungal Pathogen Causing Kaffir Lime Leaf Blight in Northern Thailand

by Nakarin Suwannarach, Surapong Khuna, Jaturong Kumla, Ratchadawan Cheewangkoon, Piyawan Suttiprapan and Saisamorn Lumyong

Plants 2022, 11(3), 273; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11030273 - 20 Jan 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3526

Abstract

Thailand is known to be the largest producer of kaffir lime leaf products in the global market. In 2021, leaf blight was found on kaffir lime plants (Citrus hystrix DC.) in Lamphun Province of northern Thailand. This disease has been associated with [...] Read more.

Thailand is known to be the largest producer of kaffir lime leaf products in the global market. In 2021, leaf blight was found on kaffir lime plants (Citrus hystrix DC.) in Lamphun Province of northern Thailand. This disease has been associated with significant economic losses. However, there have been no prior reports of leaf blight on kaffir lime plants in Thailand or anywhere else in the world. In this study, causal fungi were isolated from lesions of kaffir lime plants and a total of three fungal isolates were obtained. All causal fungi were identified as Lasiodiplodia chinensis based on morphological characteristics and the phylogenetic analysis of combined sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of ribosomal DNA, the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (tef-1), β-tubulin (tub), and RNA polymerase II subunit (rbp2) genes. Pathogenicity tests were conducted and the results revealed that all isolated fungi caused symptoms of leaf blight on inoculated leaves. This outcome was similar to symptoms that naturally occur and have been observed in the field. This is the first report on kaffir lime leaf blight caused by L. chinensis. Our study will provide information of high value for the development of effective strategies for the monitoring and prevention of this disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungus and Plant Interactions)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2439 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gene Expression in Cucurbita spp. Root and Crown during Phytophthora capsici Infection

by Alejandro Ayala-Doñas, Pedro Gómez and Miguel de Cara-García

Plants 2021, 10(12), 2718; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10122718 - 10 Dec 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2282

Abstract

Phytophtora capsici causes major diseases in cucurbit crops worldwide. In this study, we inoculated this pathogen into Cucurbita pepo subsp. pepo susceptible MUCU-16 and C. moschata tolerant M63. The gene expression of plant pathogenesis-related proteins chitinase (CpChiIV), lignin-forming peroxidase (CpLPOX [...] Read more.

Phytophtora capsici causes major diseases in cucurbit crops worldwide. In this study, we inoculated this pathogen into Cucurbita pepo subsp. pepo susceptible MUCU-16 and C. moschata tolerant M63. The gene expression of plant pathogenesis-related proteins chitinase (CpChiIV), lignin-forming peroxidase (CpLPOX), and defensin (CpDEF) and hormone-related enzymes salicylic acid (CpPAL) and ethylene (CpACO) was analyzed for two weeks post-inoculation in root and crown tissues. Differentially expressed genes were found between genotypes, tissues, days post-inoculation, and inoculated/non-inoculated samples. After inoculation, CpPAL and CpChiIV (crown) were downregulated in MUCU-16, while CpLPOX and CpDEF were upregulated in M63. In inoculated samples, higher expression changes were presented on days 10–14 than on day 3 for CpACO, CpLPOX, and CpDEF genes. Overexpression was higher for CpDEF compared to the other tested genes, indicating good suitability as a marker of biotic stress. The overexpression of CpDEF was higher in crown than in roots for both inoculated genotypes. The basal expression of CpPAL and CpDEF was higher in MUCU-16, but after inoculation, CpPAL and CpDEF gene expression were higher in M63. These changes suggest an association between CpDEF upregulation and tolerance, and between CpPAL downregulation and susceptibility. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungus and Plant Interactions)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

19 pages, 3231 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Antifungal Activity of Ag/CHI NPs against Rhizoctonia solani Linked with Tomato Plant Health

by Ameena A. Al-Surhanee, Muhammad Afzal, Nahla Alsayed Bouqellah, Salama A. Ouf, Sajid Muhammad, Mehmood Jan, Sidra Kaleem, Mohamed Hashem, Saad Alamri, Arafat Abdel Hamed Abdel Latef, Omar M. Ali and Mona H. Soliman

Plants 2021, 10(11), 2283; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10112283 - 25 Oct 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3079

Abstract

Pathogenic infestations are significant threats to vegetable yield, and have become an urgent problem to be solved. Rhizoctonia solani is one of the worst fungi affecting tomato crops, reducing yield in some regions. It is a known fact that plants have their own [...] Read more.

Pathogenic infestations are significant threats to vegetable yield, and have become an urgent problem to be solved. Rhizoctonia solani is one of the worst fungi affecting tomato crops, reducing yield in some regions. It is a known fact that plants have their own defense against such infestations; however, it is unclear whether any exogenous material can help plants against infestation. Therefore, we performed greenhouse experiments to evaluate the impacts of R. solani on 15- and 30-day old tomato plants after fungal infestation, and estimated the antifungal activity of nanoparticles (NPs) against the pathogen. We observed severe pathogenic impacts on the above-ground tissues of tomato plants which would affect plant physiology and crop production. Pathogenic infection reduced total chlorophyll and anthocyanin contents, which subsequently disturbed plant physiology. Further, total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were significantly increased in pathogen treatments. Constitutively, enhanced activities were estimated for catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) in response to reactive oxygen species (ROS)in pathogen-treated plants. Moreover, pathogenesis-related genes, namely, chitinase, plant glutathione S-transferase (GST), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL1), pathogenesis-related protein (PR12), and pathogenesis-related protein (PR1) were evaluated, with significant differences between treated and control plants. In vitro and greenhouse antifungal activity of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), chitosan nanoparticles, and Ag NPs/CHI NPs composites and plant health was studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometry. We found astonishing results, namely, that Ag and CHI have antifungal activities against R. solani. Overall, plant health was much improved following treatment with Ag NPs/CHI NPs composites. In order to manage R. solani pathogenicity and improve tomato health, Ag/CHI NPs composites could be used infield as well as on commercial levels based on recommendations. However, there is an urgent need to first evaluate whether these NP composites have any secondary impacts on human health or the environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungus and Plant Interactions)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 2194 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of Oil Palm’s Consistently Upregulated Genes during Early Infections of Ganoderma boninense via RNA-Seq Technology and Real-Time Quantitative PCR

by Liyana Mohd Zuhar, Ahmad Zairun Madihah, Siti Aqlima Ahmad, Zamri Zainal, Abu Seman Idris and Noor Azmi Shaharuddin

Plants 2021, 10(10), 2026; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10102026 - 27 Sep 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3098

Abstract

Basal stem rot (BSR) disease caused by pathogenic fungus Ganoderma boninense is a significant concern in the oil palm industry. G. boninense infection in oil palm induces defense-related genes. To understand oil palm defense mechanisms in response to fungal invasion, we analyzed differentially [...] Read more.

Basal stem rot (BSR) disease caused by pathogenic fungus Ganoderma boninense is a significant concern in the oil palm industry. G. boninense infection in oil palm induces defense-related genes. To understand oil palm defense mechanisms in response to fungal invasion, we analyzed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) derived from RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) transcriptomic libraries of oil palm roots infected with G. boninense. A total of 126 DEGs were detected from the transcriptomic libraries of G. boninense-infected root tissues at different infection stages. Functional annotation via pathway enrichment analyses revealed that the DEGs were involved in the defense response against the pathogen. The expression of the selected DEGs was further confirmed using real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) on independent oil palm seedlings and mature palm samples. Seven putative defense-related DEGs consistently showed upregulation in seedlings and mature plants during G. boninense infection. These seven genes might potentially be developed as biomarkers for the early detection of BSR in oil palm. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungus and Plant Interactions)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 4937 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mycogenic Nano-Complex for Plant Growth Promotion and Bio-Control of Pythium aphanidermatum

by Shaima M.N. Moustafa and Rania H. Taha

Plants 2021, 10(9), 1858; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10091858 - 8 Sep 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2108

Abstract

(1) Background: biological way is one of the most ecofriendly and safe strategies for nanomaterials synthesis. So, biosynthesis-green method was used for the preparation of Zn(II) complex (in the Nano scale) from the reaction of the schiff base ligand 2,2′-((1E,1′E)-(1,2-phenylenebis (azanylylidene)), bis(methanylylidene))bis(4-bromophenol), and [...] Read more.

(1) Background: biological way is one of the most ecofriendly and safe strategies for nanomaterials synthesis. So, biosynthesis-green method was used for the preparation of Zn(II) complex (in the Nano scale) from the reaction of the schiff base ligand 2,2′-((1E,1′E)-(1,2-phenylenebis (azanylylidene)), bis(methanylylidene))bis(4-bromophenol), and Zn(II)sulphate. The biogenic ZnNP-T was characterized by different methods. Our purpose was to evaluate the ability of biosynthesis-green method for the preparation of Zn(II) complex as an antifungal agent against diseases from fungal species. (2) Methods: in this work, isolates of Pythium aphanidermatum and Trichderma longibrachiatum were obtained, and Trichderma longibrachiatum was used to prepare nano metal complex. We tested the pathogenicity of nano metal complex against seedling and germination of seeds, and we evaluated the effectiveness of ZnNP-T for growth promotion of Vicia feba in early stage and inhibitory activity against Pythium aphanidermatum. (3) Results: antagonistic activity of ZnNP-T was tested in vitro against Pythium aphanidermatum, and then the growth rates of Vicia faba were determined. The obtained data revealed that mycelial growth of pathogenic fungus was inhibited about 73.8% at 20 ppm. In addition, improved the total biomass of Vicia faba in the presence of P. aphanidermatum. All concentration of ZnNP-T positively affected root weight of Vicia faba seedlings, and positively affected shoot weight. Root and shoot lengths were affected by using 20 ppm of ZnNP-T with up to 180 and 96.5 mm of shoot and root length compared to that of the control, while germination percentage was significantly enhanced with up to 100% increase after 72 h of germination. (4) Conclusion: one of the modern challenges in vegetable or fruit production is to enhance seed germination and to grow healthy plants with strong root system. In future, there should be a focus on using of biogenic Zinc nano-complex as plant growth promoter agents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungus and Plant Interactions)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

13 pages, 1821 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Interaction of Ginseng with Ilyonectria Root Rot Pathogens

by Isadora Bischoff Nunes and Paul H. Goodwin

Plants 2022, 11(16), 2152; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11162152 - 19 Aug 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2207

Abstract

The Ilyonectria radicicola species complex (A.A. Hildebr.) A. Cabral and Crous 2011 contains species of soilborne necrotrophic plant pathogens. The most aggressive to ginseng roots is I. mors-panacis, whereas I. robusta, I. crassa, I. panacis and I. radicicola are less [...] Read more.

The Ilyonectria radicicola species complex (A.A. Hildebr.) A. Cabral and Crous 2011 contains species of soilborne necrotrophic plant pathogens. The most aggressive to ginseng roots is I. mors-panacis, whereas I. robusta, I. crassa, I. panacis and I. radicicola are less aggressive. Infected ginseng roots show orange-red to black-brown lesions that can expand into a severe root rot, known as disappearing root rot, where only epidermal root tissue remains. Leaves become red-brown with wilting, and stems can have vascular discoloration with black-brown lesions at the base. Less aggressive Ilyonectria species trigger jasmonic acid (JA)-related defenses inducing host ginsenosides, pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins, wound periderm, and cell wall thickening. In contrast, I. mors-panacis triggers reactive oxygen species (ROS) and salicylic acid (SA) production but suppresses JA-related defenses and ginsenoside accumulation. It is also able to suppress SA-related PR protein production. Virulence factors include potential effectors that may suppress PAMP (Pathogen Associated Molecular Patterns) triggered immunity (PTI), polyphenoloxidases, Hsp90 inhibitors, siderophores and cell-wall-degrading enzymes, such as pectinases. Overall, I. mors-panacis appears to be more aggressive because it can suppress JA and SA-related PTI allowing for more extensive colonization of ginseng roots. While many possible mechanisms of host resistance and pathogen virulence mechanisms have been examined, there is a need for using genetic approaches, such as RNAi silencing of genes of Panax or Ilyonectria, to determine their importance in the interaction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fungus and Plant Interactions)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Fungus and Plant Interactions

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Published Papers (13 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI