Articles
AN ENDOPHYTIC FUNGUS INDUCES TOLERANCE AGAINST THE CLUBROOT PATHOGEN PLASMODIOPHORA BRASSICAE IN ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA AND BRASSICA RAPA ROOTS
Article number
867_22
Pages
173 – 180
Language
English
Abstract
The control of the clubroot disease, one of the most damaging within the family of Brassicaceae, is difficult due to the obligate life style of the pathogen.
Consequently, it is of high interest to understand the underlying mechanisms of pathogenesis.
In addition, the search for alternative methods to control this devastating plant disease is desirable.
In this study we have therefore investigated the ability of an endophytic fungus of the genus Acremonium to influence clubroot formation in Brassica rapa (Chinese cabbage) and the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, both good hosts to the clubroot pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae. When host plants were infected with P. brassicae alone, they formed the typical root galls accompanied by stunted growth of the aerial parts of the plant.
After co-inoculation with A. alternatum we found smaller root galls and the phenotype of the shoots was comparable to that of uninfected plants for both A. thaliana and B. rapa. Smaller root galls were accompanied by lesser fungal structures in the galls and especially a reduction in resting spore formation was found.
This led to the hypothesis that development of P. brassicae was delayed.
These results are promising to be further developed in the context of a complex disease management to reduce clubroot symptoms.
Consequently, it is of high interest to understand the underlying mechanisms of pathogenesis.
In addition, the search for alternative methods to control this devastating plant disease is desirable.
In this study we have therefore investigated the ability of an endophytic fungus of the genus Acremonium to influence clubroot formation in Brassica rapa (Chinese cabbage) and the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, both good hosts to the clubroot pathogen Plasmodiophora brassicae. When host plants were infected with P. brassicae alone, they formed the typical root galls accompanied by stunted growth of the aerial parts of the plant.
After co-inoculation with A. alternatum we found smaller root galls and the phenotype of the shoots was comparable to that of uninfected plants for both A. thaliana and B. rapa. Smaller root galls were accompanied by lesser fungal structures in the galls and especially a reduction in resting spore formation was found.
This led to the hypothesis that development of P. brassicae was delayed.
These results are promising to be further developed in the context of a complex disease management to reduce clubroot symptoms.
Publication
Authors
T.T. Doan, D. Jäschke, J. Ludwig-Müller
Keywords
Chinese cabbage, disease control, endophyte, pathogen development
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