Influence of Phytophthora root rot on mineral nutrient concentrations in avocado leaves

1987 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 173 ◽  
Author(s):  
AW Whiley ◽  
KG Pegg ◽  
JB Saranah ◽  
PW Langdon
Keyword(s):  
Root Rot ◽  
Potassium Hydroxide ◽  
Phytophthora Cinnamomi ◽  
Chloride Content ◽  
Persea Americana ◽  
Mineral Nutrient ◽  
Nutrient Concentrations ◽  
Phytophthora Root Rot ◽  
Zinc Levels ◽  
Chloride Concentrations

Leaf nutrient concentrations were measured in avocado trees (Persea americana Mill. cv. Fuerte) which were recovering from root rot (Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands) following treatment with fungicides. Trees with visible Phytophthora root rot symptoms had higher leaf chloride concentrations in 4- month-old leaves (0.35%) which increased to 0.5% in 8-month-old leaves, compared with chloride concentrations in leaves from trees that had regained health of 0.13-0.27% and 0.09-0.24% in 4- and 8-month-old leaves respectively. Leaf tip and marginal burn symptoms in untreated control trees were present in leaves with 0.5% chloride content. Trees which were previously infected, but had regained health, had higher leaf concentrations of nitrogen (2.86-3.02%), phosphorus (0.18-0.19%), sulfur (0.24-0.27%), zinc (33.2 mg kg-1) and boron (13.4-17.7 mg kg-1) than leaves on those trees showing severe root rot symptoms (2.59% nitrogen, 0.16% sulfur, 24.4 mg kg-1 zinc, and 8.1 mg kg-1 boron). Fungicidal treatments, which included the injection of phosphite, potassium hydroxide and zinc sulfate into trees, did not contribute significantly to leaf phosphorus, potassium or zinc levels.

scholarly journals 14C-Photosynthesis Partitioning in Avocado Trees as Influenced by Shoot Development

HortScience ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 28 (8) ◽  
pp. 850-852 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony W. Whiley ◽  
Bruce Schaffer
Keyword(s):  
Root Rot ◽  
Liquid Scintillation ◽  
Phytophthora Cinnamomi ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Persea Americana ◽  
Plant Tissues ◽  
Quiescent State ◽  
Assimilation Rate ◽  
Phytophthora Root Rot ◽  
C Partitioning

The influence of shoot age on 14C partitioning in potted avocado (Persea americana var. americana Mill.) trees was determined. The oldest leaf of actively growing shoots and the youngest leaf of previously matured shoots were exposed to 14CO2 18 and 34 days after budbreak (DABB) of new shoots. At these times, treated leaves had a positive net CO2 assimilation rate and, therefore, were considered to be net C exporters. Sixteen days after 14C exposure, separate plant tissues were harvested, dried, weighed, and oxidized. The percentage of 14C in each tissue was determined by liquid scintillation spectrometry. Photoassimilates were translocated acropetally and basipetally from all treated leaves. However, at 18 DABB, developing leaves of actively growing shoots seemed to be the strongest sink for C assimilated by the oldest leaf of these shoots, whereas the roots were the strongest sink for C assimilated by the youngest leaf of the previously matured shoots. By 34 DABB, roots were the strongest sink for C assimilated by leaves of new and previously matured shoots. These data are useful in developing improved management strategies for controlling phytophthora root rot (incited by Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands) in avocados by systemic phosphonate fungicides translocated in the photoassimilate pathway. Thus, phosphonates should be applied after shoots have matured and most of the canopy is in a quiescent state for maximum translocation to the roots.

scholarly journals Cellulase Activity as a Mechanism for Suppression of Phytophthora Root Rot in Mulches

2011 ◽  
Vol 101 (2) ◽  
pp. 223-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brantlee Spakes Richter ◽  
Kelly Ivors ◽  
Wei Shi ◽  
D. M. Benson
Keyword(s):  
Root Rot ◽  
Phytophthora Cinnamomi ◽  
Cellulase Activity ◽  
Enzyme Concentration ◽  
Disease Suppression ◽  
In Vitro Assays ◽  
Infested Soil ◽  
Phytophthora Root Rot ◽  
Standard Curve

Wood-based mulches are used in avocado production and are being tested on Fraser fir for reduction of Phytophthora root rot, caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi. Research with avocado has suggested a role of microbial cellulase enzymes in pathogen suppression through effects on the cellulosic cell walls of Phytophthora. This work was conducted to determine whether cellulase activity could account for disease suppression in mulch systems. A standard curve was developed to correlate cellulase activity in mulches with concentrations of a cellulase product. Based on this curve, cellulase activity in mulch samples was equivalent to a cellulase enzyme concentration of 25 U ml–1 or greater of product. Sustained exposure of P. cinnamomi to cellulase at 10 to 50 U ml–1 significantly reduced sporangia production, but biomass was only reduced with concentrations over 100 U ml–1. In a lupine bioassay, cellulase was applied to infested soil at 100 or 1,000 U ml–1 with three timings. Cellulase activity diminished by 47% between 1 and 15 days after application. Cellulase applied at 100 U ml–1 2 weeks before planting yielded activity of 20.08 μmol glucose equivalents per gram of soil water (GE g–1 aq) at planting, a level equivalent to mulch samples. Cellulase activity at planting ranged from 3.35 to 48.67 μmol GE g–1 aq, but no treatment significantly affected disease progress. Based on in vitro assays, cellulase activity in mulch was sufficient to impair sporangia production of P. cinnamomi, but not always sufficient to impact vegetative biomass.

Correction of zinc and boron deficiencies and control of phytophthora root rot of avocardo by trunk injection

1991 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 575 ◽  
Author(s):  
AW Whiley ◽  
KG Pegg ◽  
JB Saranah ◽  
PW Langdon
Keyword(s):  
Root Rot ◽  
Growing Season ◽  
Zinc Nitrate ◽  
Threshold Concentration ◽  
Persea Americana ◽  
Critical Threshold ◽  
Phytophthora Root Rot ◽  
Zinc Concentrations ◽  
Trunk Injection ◽  
And Control

Phosphonate at 3 concentrations (7.5, 10 and 20%) was injected into the trunks of avocado (Persea americana Mill.) trees showing advanced symptoms of canopy decline caused by phytophthora root rot. All formulations of phosphonate and potassium phosphonate, including the lower rates of 7.5 and 10%, successfully controlled root rot and resulted in improved tree health. The 7.5% phosphonate treatment permitted the formulation of chemically compatible mixtures containing zinc and boron which, when trunk-injected, increased the concentrations of these nutrients in mature summer-grown leaves. Phosphonate formulations containing 17% zinc chelate or 10% zinc nitrate and injected twice during a growing season, at 15 mL/m canopy diameter, increased leaf zinc concentrations above the critical level of 30 mg/kg DM. However, the inclusion of zinc chelate in formulations substantially increased the time of uptake of the injection compared with the formulation containing zinc nitrate. Phosphonate formulations with 0.9% boron, injected twice during a growing season at 15 mL/m canopy diameter, improved leaf boron concentrations, but they failed to reach the critical threshold concentration of 50 mg/kg DM.

scholarly journals Temporal and Spatial Epidemiology of Phytophthora Root Rot in Fraser Fir Plantations

Plant Disease ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 90 (9) ◽  
pp. 1171-1180 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. M. Benson ◽  
L. F. Grand ◽  
C. S. Vernia ◽  
T. R. Gottwald
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Analysis ◽  
Root Rot ◽  
Phytophthora Cinnamomi ◽  
Local Area ◽  
Slope Aspect ◽  
Mortality Data ◽  
Phytophthora Root Rot ◽  
Fraser Fir ◽  
Incidence And Mortality ◽  
Over Time

In 1999, 19 plots of Fraser fir (Abies fraseri) with a disease focus were established in commercial plantings grown for Christmas tree production in the mountains of five western North Caro-lina counties. Progress of Phytophthora root rot caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi as estimated by mortality was followed in each plot over 3 to 4 years in an attempt to understand dispersal of inoculum. Slope, aspect, and field production age at the time plots were established were recorded. Rainfall estimated from National Weather Service stations each growing season also was recorded. The relationship of site parameters and rainfall to dispersal and disease was investigated. Disease incidence and mortality were assessed in June and September each year for 3 or 4 years depending on plot. Phytophthora root rot as estimated by mortality counts over time in a logistic regression model progressed in only five of 19 plots over 3 years. None of the site parameters correlated with mortality data, although slightly more disease was found in plots with a north aspect. Rainfall was below normal in the 3 years of the study and did not correlate with mortality in any year. Lack of disease progress in the majority of plots was attributed to drought conditions in the region. In the five plots where mortality increased over time, spatial analysis suggested an aggregated pattern of diseased plants. Aggregation was apparent but not very strong among nearest neighbors, but was considerably stronger among groups of trees within a local area. This aggregation within groups was stronger when larger group sizes were examined by beta-binomial analysis. A spatial analysis by distance indices method (SADIE) indicated the presence of secondary clusters occurring several meters away from the main focus. A stochastic model also was employed that indicated a combination of spatial processes were likely involved, specifically a tendency toward spread within a local area, but not necessarily to the nearest neighboring trees, combined with an influence of background inoculum that could not be accounted for within local areas and may have come from external sources. Thus, all sources of inoculum including infected planting stock, inoculum in soil, infected trees, and contaminated equipment were equally important in epidemics of Phytophthora root rot in Fraser fir and dispersal of P. cinnamomi.

scholarly journals Variation in Disease Severity Caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi, P. plurivora, and Pythium cryptoirregulare on Two Rhododendron Cultivars

Plant Disease ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 102 (12) ◽  
pp. 2560-2570 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerry E. Weiland ◽  
Carolyn F. Scagel ◽  
Niklaus J. Grünwald ◽  
E. Anne Davis ◽  
Bryan R. Beck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Control ◽  
Root Rot ◽  
Phytophthora Cinnamomi ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Phytophthora Species ◽  
Relative Resistance ◽  
Inoculum Level ◽  
Phytophthora Root Rot ◽  
Mild Disease ◽  
Comparative Information

Rhododendrons are an important crop in the ornamental nursery industry, but are prone to Phytophthora root rot. Phytophthora root rot is a continuing issue on rhododendrons despite decades of research. Several Phytophthora species are known to cause root rot, but most research has focused on P. cinnamomi, and comparative information on pathogenicity is limited for other commonly encountered oomycetes, including Phytophthora plurivora and Pythium cryptoirregulare. In this study, three isolates each of P. cinnamomi, P. plurivora, and Py. cryptoirregulare were used to inoculate rhododendron cultivars Cunningham’s White and Yaku Princess at two different inoculum levels. All three species caused disease, especially at the higher inoculum level. P. cinnamomi and P. plurivora were the most aggressive pathogens, causing severe root rot, whereas Py. cryptoirregulare was a weak pathogen that only caused mild disease. Within each pathogen species, isolate had no influence on disease. Both P. cinnamomi and P. plurivora caused more severe disease on Cunningham’s White than on Yaku Princess, suggesting that the relative resistance and susceptibility among rhododendron cultivars might be similar for both pathogens. Reisolation of P. cinnamomi and P. plurivora was also greater from plants exhibiting aboveground symptoms of wilting and plant death and belowground symptoms of root rot than from those without symptoms. Results show that both P. cinnamomi and P. plurivora, but not Py. cryptoirregulare, are important pathogens causing severe root rot in rhododendron. This study establishes the risks for disease resulting from low and high levels of inoculum for each pathogen. Further research is needed to evaluate longer term risks associated with low inoculum levels on rhododendron health and to explore whether differences among pathogen species affect disease control.

scholarly journals Incidence of Phytophthora Root Rot of Fraser Fir in North Carolina and Sensitivity of Isolates of Phytophthora cinnamomi to Metalaxyl

Plant Disease ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 84 (6) ◽  
pp. 661-664 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. M. Benson ◽  
L. F. Grand
Keyword(s):  
North Carolina ◽  
Root Rot ◽  
Phytophthora Cinnamomi ◽  
Disease Incidence ◽  
The State ◽  
Systematic Sampling ◽  
Phytophthora Root Rot ◽  
Fraser Fir ◽  
Phytophthora Spp ◽  
Old Trees

A survey of Fraser fir Christmas trees in North Carolina for incidence of Phytophthora root rot was conducted during 1997 and 1998. Field sites (7- to 13-year-old trees) and nursery transplant beds (4- to 5-year-old trees) selected at random were surveyed based on foliar symptoms of Phytophthora root rot. Field sites were surveyed with a random transect method (>3,000 trees/field) or by counting all trees (<3,000 trees/field). Overall, incidence of Phytophthora root rot averaged 9% over the 58 field sites sampled, with a range of 0 to 75%. No relationship was found between number of years Fraser fir had been planted in the field site and disease incidence. Disease incidence did not increase as field sites were rotated through second or third crops of Fraser fir. Phytophthora spp. were recovered from 1.8% of asymptomatic trees sampled from 58 field sites across the state. P. cinnamomi accounted for 91% of the Phytophthora isolates recovered. In nursery transplant beds where a systematic sampling procedure was used, incidence of diseased trees averaged 2%, with a range of 0 to 12% across 16 locations. Recovery of Phytophthora spp. averaged 1.2% from root samples collected from 50 asymptomatic seedlings at each location. Isolates collected from the field and nursery transplant beds were grown on cornmeal agar incorporated with 0, 1, 1.25, 10, or 100 μg a.i. metalaxyl/ml. All 166 isolates of P. cinnamomi tested were sensitive to metalaxyl at 1 or 1.25 μg a.i. metalaxyl/ml. Although incidence of Phytophthora root rot has not increased in the state compared to a survey done in 1976 to 1977, the disease continues to limit production of Fraser fir in North Carolina.

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