Molecular, biochemical and metabolomics analyses reveal constitutive and pathogen-induced defense responses of two sugarcane contrasting genotypes against leaf scald disease.

Leaf scald caused by the bacteria Xanthomonas albilineans is one of the major concerns to sugarcane production. To breed for resistance, mechanisms underlying plant-pathogen interaction need deeper investigations. Herein, we evaluated sugarcane defense responses against X. albilineans using molecular and biochemical approaches to assess pathogen-triggered ROS, phytohormones and metabolomics in two contrasting sugarcane genotypes from 0.5 to 144 h post-inoculation (hpi). In addition, the infection process was monitored using TaqMan-based quantification of X. albilineans and the disease symptoms were evaluated in both genotypes after 15 d post-inoculation (dpi). The susceptible genotype presented a response to the infection at 0.5 hpi, accumulating defense-related metabolites such as phenolics and flavonoids with no significant defense responses thereafter, resulting in typical symptoms of leaf scald at 15 dpi. The resistant genotype did not respond to the infection at 0.5 hpi but constitutively presented higher levels of salicylic acid and of the same metabolites induced by the infection in the susceptible genotype. Moreover, two subsequent pathogen-induced metabolic responses at 12 and 144 hpi were observed only in the resistant genotype in terms of amino acids, quinic acids, coumarins, polyamines, flavonoids, phenolics and phenylpropanoids together with an increase of hydrogen peroxide, ROS-related genes expression, indole-3-acetic-acid and salicylic acid. Multilevel approaches revealed that constitutive chemical composition and metabolic reprogramming hampers the development of leaf scald at 48 and 72 hpi, reducing the disease symptoms in the resistant genotype at 15 dpi. Phenylpropanoid pathway is suggested as a strong candidate marker for breeding sugarcane resistant to leaf scald.

Can Aphid Herbivory Induce Intergenerational Effects of Endophyte-conferred Resistance in Grasses?

Plants have evolved mechanisms to survive herbivory. One such mechanism is the induction of defences upon attack that can operate intergenerationally. Cool-season grasses (sub-family Pooideae) obtain defences via symbiosis with vertically transmitted fungal endophytes (genus Epichloë) and can also show inducible responses. However, it is unknown whether these herbivore-induced responses can have intergenerational effects. We hypothesized that herbivory by aphids on maternal plants induces the intergenerational accumulation of endophyte-derived defensive alkaloids and resistance intensification in the progeny. We subjected mother plants symbiotic or not with Epichloë occultans, a species known for its production of anti-insect alkaloids known as lolines, to the aphid Rhopalosiphum padi. Then, we evaluated the progeny of these plants in terms of loline alkaloid concentration, resistance level (through herbivore performance), and shoot biomass. Herbivory on mother plants did not increase the concentration of lolines in seeds but it tended to affect loline concentration in progeny plants. There was an overall herbivore-induced intergenerational effect increasing the endophyte-conferred defence and resistance. Symbiotic plants were more resistant to aphids and had higher shoot biomass than their non-symbiotic counterparts. Since maternal herbivory did not affect the loline concentrations in seeds, the greater resistance of the progeny could have resulted from an inherited mechanism of epigenetic regulation. It would be interesting to elucidate the origin of this regulation since it could come from the host or the fungal symbiont. Thus, endophyte-driven differential fitness between symbiotic and non-symbiotic plants might be higher as generations pass on in presence of herbivores.

The Algal Polysaccharide Ulvan Induces Resistance in Wheat Against Zymoseptoria tritici Without Major Alteration of Leaf Metabolome.

This study aimed to examine the ability of ulvan, a water-soluble polysaccharide from the green seaweed Ulva fasciata, to provide protection and induce resistance in wheat against the hemibiotrophic fungus Zymoseptoria tritici. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) analysis indicated that ulvan is mainly composed of unsaturated monosaccharides (rhamnose, rhamnose-3-sulfate, and xylose) and numerous uronic acid residues. In the greenhouse, foliar application of ulvan at 10 mg.ml-1 2 days before fungal inoculation reduced disease severity and pycnidium density by 45 and 50%, respectively. Ulvan did not exhibit any direct antifungal activity toward Z. tritici, neither in vitro nor in planta. However, ulvan treatment significantly reduced substomatal colonization and pycnidium formation within the mesophyll of treated leaves. Molecular assays revealed that ulvan spraying elicits, but does not prime, the expression of genes involved in several wheat defense pathways, including pathogenesis-related proteins (ß-1,3-endoglucanase and chitinase), reactive oxygen species metabolism (oxalate oxidase), and the octadecanoid pathway (lipoxygenase and allene oxide synthase), while no upregulation was recorded for gene markers of the phenylpropanoid pathway (phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and chalcone synthase). Interestingly, the quantification of 83 metabolites from major chemical families using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) in both non-infectious and infectious conditions showed no substantial changes in wheat metabolome upon ulvan treatment, suggesting a low metabolic cost associated with ulvan-induced resistance. Our findings provide evidence that ulvan confers protection and triggers defense mechanisms in wheat against Z. tritici without major modification of the plant physiology.

Pre-inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi affects essential oil quality and the reproduction of root lesion nematode in Cymbopogon citratus.

Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass) is an important medicinal and aromatic plant containing citral-rich essential oil, of which the quality and quantity may be affected by nematode infection. Research has shown that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) may act as nematode biocontrol agents and improve the chemical composition of plants. Three experiments were conducted to assess the effects of AMF inoculation on vegetative growth, essential oil composition, induction of defense-related proteins, and control of Pratylenchus brachyurus in C. citratus. Seedlings were transplanted into pots inoculated with one of two AMF species (Rhizophagus clarus or Claroideoglomus etunicatum). At 30 days after AMF inoculation, plants were inoculated with P. brachyurus. Evaluations were performed at 75 days after nematode inoculation. Although both AMF treatments led to effective root colonization (> 84%), fungus inoculation was not effective in reducing P. brachyurus population density. Nevertheless, C. etunicatum promoted an increase in shoot weight, and AMF treatments contributed to preserving essential oil composition in nematode-infected plants. In addition, both AMF treatments enhanced polyphenol oxidase activity and R. clarus increased peroxidase activity after nematode inoculation.

Cytokinin Modulates Cellular Trafficking and the Cytoskeleton, Enhancing Defense Responses.

The plant hormone cytokinin (CK) plays central roles in plant development and throughout plant life. The perception of CKs initiating their signaling cascade is mediated by histidine kinase receptors (AHKs). Traditionally thought to be perceived mostly at the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) due to receptor localization, CK was recently reported to be perceived at the plasma membrane (PM), with CK and its AHK receptors being trafficked between the PM and the ER. Some of the downstream mechanisms CK employs to regulate developmental processes are unknown. A seminal report in this field demonstrated that CK regulates auxin-mediated lateral root organogenesis by regulating the endocytic recycling of the auxin carrier PIN1, but since then, few works have addressed this issue. Modulation of the cellular cytoskeleton and trafficking could potentially be a mechanism executing responses downstream of CK signaling. We recently reported that CK affects the trafficking of the pattern recognition receptor LeEIX2, influencing the resultant defense output. We have also recently found that CK affects cellular trafficking and the actin cytoskeleton in fungi. In this work, we take an in-depth look at the effects of CK on cellular trafficking and on the actin cytoskeleton in plant cells. We find that CK influences the actin cytoskeleton and endomembrane compartments, both in the context of defense signaling-where CK acts to amplify the signal-as well as in steady state. We show that CK affects the distribution of FLS2, increasing its presence in the plasma membrane. Furthermore, CK enhances the cellular response to flg22, and flg22 sensing activates the CK response. Our results are in agreement with what we previously reported for fungi, suggesting a fundamental role for CK in regulating cellular integrity and trafficking as a mechanism for controlling and executing CK-mediated processes.

Methyl jasmonate-induced resistance to Delia platura (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) in Lupinus mutabilis.

BACKGROUND: Andean lupin (Lupinus mutabilis Sweet) is an important leguminous crop from South America with a high protein content. In Ecuador, lupin yields are severely affected by the infestation of Delia platura larvae on germinating seeds. The application of elicitor molecules with activity against herbivorous insects to control D. platura infestation constitutes an unexplored and promising alternative for chemical insecticides. In this study, methyl jasmonate (MeJA), hexanoic acid, menadione sodium bisulfite, and DL-ß-aminobutyric acid were evaluated for their ability to induce resistance against D. platura in three commercial lupin cultivars. RESULTS: Only seeds pretreated with MeJA significantly impaired insect performance during choice and no-choice assays. Additionally, fitness indicators such as seed germination and growth were not affected by MeJA treatment. To investigate the molecular mechanisms behind the MeJA-mediated resistance, RT-qPCR assays were performed. First, RT-qPCR reference genes were validated, showing that LmUBC was the most stable reference gene. Next, expression analysis over time revealed that MeJA application up-regulated the activity of the jasmonic acid biosynthetic genes LmLOX2 and LmAOS, together with other jasmonate-related defense genes, such as LmTPS1, LmTPS4, LmPI2, LmMBL, LmL/ODC, LmCSD1, and LmPOD. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that MeJA can be used as an environmentally friendly elicitor molecule to protect Andean lupin from D. platura attack without fitness cost. MeJA application induces plant defense responses to insects in Andean lupin that may be modulated by the onset of terpenoid biosynthesis, proteinase inhibitors, lectins, polyamines, and antioxidative enzymes. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effect of silicon on aphid populations and wheat yield in Minas Gerais, Brazil / Efeito do silício em populações de afídeos e produtividade de trigo em Minas Gerais, Brasil

The area cultivated with wheat has been increasing in the savannahs of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Aphids are usually one of the main pests of wheat in many regions of the world; however, little is known about the aphid population in this new environment. The southern region of Brazil, the main wheat production area, has had several problems as a result of aphids, but aphid populations and the resulting impact on wheat production have not been investigated in these new crop production areas. Understanding control strategies to manage this insect could be essential for the “Cerrado” wheat that is grown in this area. The application of silicon (Si) has the potential to reduce the population growth of wheat aphids; however no field studies have been reported. Hence, we evaluated the effect of Si fertilization via soil application on the aphid populations and species composition and on yield components of wheat in three locations in Minas Gerais; the experiment was repeated simultaneously in Uberlândia, at the experimental areas of UFU and IFTM, and in Montes Claros, at the experimental area of UFMG, using the cultivars BRS 264 and BRS 394. The aphids first appeared just before wheat earing; they were then sampled six times over the course of the study, seven days apart, starting from 45 days after sowing. The aphid species Sitobion avenae (Fabricius), Schizaphis...(AU)

A área cultivada com trigo tem aumentado no cerrado presente no estado de Minas Gerais. Afídeos são frequentemente a principal praga dessa cultura em várias regiões do mundo porém, pouco se sabe a respeito de população de afídeos nesse novo ambiente. A região sul do Brasil, principal produtora de trigo, relatou vários problemas resultantes da presença de afídeos, mas as populações de pulgões e os seus impactos na produção do trigo ainda não foram investigados nesta nova área de produção. Portanto, é necessário conhecer a interação sobre pragas, culturas, e paisagens. Entender estratégias de controle para gerenciar esse inseto pode ser essencial para o trigo “Cerrado”. A aplicação de silício (Si) tem o potencial de reduzir o crescimento populacional de pulgões do trigo, porém não há relatos de estudos de campo. Nós avaliamos os efeitos da aplicação via solo de Si sobre populações de afídeos e sobre a composição de espécies, além de componentes de produtividade em três localidades em Minas Gerais. O experimento foi repetido simultaneamente em Uberlândia, nas áreas experimentais da UFU e do IFTM, e em Montes Claros, na área experimental da UFMG, utilizando as cultivares BRS 264 e BRS 394. Os primeiros pulgões ocorreram antes da formação da espiga, e os mesmos foram amostrados seis vezes ao longo do estudo, com sete dias de intervalo, iniciando 45 dias após a semeadura. As espécies de afídeo Sitobion avenae (Fabricius), Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) e Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) foram observadas nos três locais e S. avenae foi a espécie dominante em todos os locais. A área experimental da UFU apresentou o maior número de pulgões de S. avenae por perfilho para as duas cultivares, enquanto a UFMG apresentou as menores populações. As populações de afídeos e os aspectos de produção do trigo não foram afetados pela fertilização de Si no solo. Não houve diferenças de produtividade para a localização ou cultivares, mas a área de UFU e a cultivar BRS 394 tiveram o maior peso médio hectolitro.(AU)

Fructosan form Paenibacillus kribbensis PS04 enhance disease resistance against Rhizoctonia solani and tobacco mosaic virus

BACKGROUND: Rice sheath blight (caused by Rhizoctonia solani) and tobacco mosaic virus are very important plant diseases, causing a huge loss in global crop production. Paenibacillus kribbensis PS04 is a broad-spectrum biocontrol agent, used for controlling these diseases. Previously, extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) from P. kribbensis PS04 had been purified and their structure was inferred to be fructosan. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of exogenous EPS treatment on plant­pathogen interactions. RESULTS: Plant defense genes such as phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, catalase, chitinase, allene oxide synthase, and PR1a proteins were significantly induced by exogenous EPS treatment. Moreover, subsequent challenge of EPSpretreated plants with the pathogens (R. solani or tobacco mosaic virus) resulted in higher expression of defenseassociated genes. Increased activities of defense-associated enzymes, total phenols, and flavonoids were also observed in EPS pretreated plants. The contents of malondialdehyde in plants, which act as indicator of lipid peroxidation, were reduced by EPS treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study comprehensively showed that EPS produced from P. kribbensis PS04 enhances disease resistance in plants by the activation of defense-associated genes as well as through the enhancement of activities of defense-related enzymes.

Plant Silicon Amendment Does Not Reduce Population Growth of Schizaphis graminum or Host Quality for the Parasitoid Lysiphlebus testaceipes.

Interactions between different pest control methods can affect Integrated Pest Management efficiency. This study sought to evaluate (1) if Si accumulation is related to the level of constitutive resistance in sorghum genotypes, (2) the level of Si induces resistance by antibiosis in sorghum genotypes with different levels of constitutive resistance to Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) (reared individualized or in colonies), and (3) the fitness of Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cresson) in aphids reared on Si-treated and untreated plants. Several experiments were conducted under greenhouse conditions, using sorghum genotypes with different levels of resistance grown in pots with or without the addition of Si to the soil. The susceptible (BR007B), moderately resistant (GB3B), and highly resistant (TX430XGR111) genotypes all absorbed more Si when it was added to the soil compared with when it was not amended. However, the final Si content of treated plants was not related to the level of constitutive resistance among treated genotypes. While Si soil application did reduce the fecundity of individualized aphids reared on the susceptible and moderately resistant sorghum plants, it did not reduce populational growth of aphid colonies, independent of the level of plant's constitutive resistance. Parasitoid (L. testaceipes) had higher weight when reared from aphids fed on plants with added Si. Sorghum × constitutive resistance × S. graminum interactions were affected by plant Si content only for individualized aphids but not for aphid colonies. Sorghum × S. graminum × L. testaceipes interactions suggest that Si can have, overall, a positive effect on the biological control of S. graminum.

Effect of silicon on aphid populations and wheat yield in Minas Gerais, Brazil / Efeito do silício em populações de afídeos e produtividade de trigo em Minas Gerais, Brasil

The area cultivated with wheat has been increasing in the savannahs of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Aphids are usually one of the main pests of wheat in many regions of the world; however, little is known about the aphid population in this new environment. The southern region of Brazil, the main wheat production area, has had several problems as a result of aphids, but aphid populations and the resulting impact on wheat production have not been investigated in these new crop production areas. Understanding control strategies to manage this insect could be essential for the “Cerrado” wheat that is grown in this area. The application of silicon (Si) has the potential to reduce the population growth of wheat aphids; however no field studies have been reported. Hence, we evaluated the effect of Si fertilization via soil application on the aphid populations and species composition and on yield components of wheat in three locations in Minas Gerais; the experiment was repeated simultaneously in Uberlândia, at the experimental areas of UFU and IFTM, and in Montes Claros, at the experimental area of UFMG, using the cultivars BRS 264 and BRS 394. The aphids first appeared just before wheat earing; they were then sampled six times over the course of the study, seven days apart, starting from 45 days after sowing. The aphid species Sitobion avenae (Fabricius), Schizaphis...

A área cultivada com trigo tem aumentado no cerrado presente no estado de Minas Gerais. Afídeos são frequentemente a principal praga dessa cultura em várias regiões do mundo porém, pouco se sabe a respeito de população de afídeos nesse novo ambiente. A região sul do Brasil, principal produtora de trigo, relatou vários problemas resultantes da presença de afídeos, mas as populações de pulgões e os seus impactos na produção do trigo ainda não foram investigados nesta nova área de produção. Portanto, é necessário conhecer a interação sobre pragas, culturas, e paisagens. Entender estratégias de controle para gerenciar esse inseto pode ser essencial para o trigo “Cerrado”. A aplicação de silício (Si) tem o potencial de reduzir o crescimento populacional de pulgões do trigo, porém não há relatos de estudos de campo. Nós avaliamos os efeitos da aplicação via solo de Si sobre populações de afídeos e sobre a composição de espécies, além de componentes de produtividade em três localidades em Minas Gerais. O experimento foi repetido simultaneamente em Uberlândia, nas áreas experimentais da UFU e do IFTM, e em Montes Claros, na área experimental da UFMG, utilizando as cultivares BRS 264 e BRS 394. Os primeiros pulgões ocorreram antes da formação da espiga, e os mesmos foram amostrados seis vezes ao longo do estudo, com sete dias de intervalo, iniciando 45 dias após a semeadura. As espécies de afídeo Sitobion avenae (Fabricius), Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) e Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) foram observadas nos três locais e S. avenae foi a espécie dominante em todos os locais. A área experimental da UFU apresentou o maior número de pulgões de S. avenae por perfilho para as duas cultivares, enquanto a UFMG apresentou as menores populações. As populações de afídeos e os aspectos de produção do trigo não foram afetados pela fertilização de Si no solo. Não houve diferenças de produtividade para a localização ou cultivares, mas a área de UFU e a cultivar BRS 394 tiveram o maior peso médio hectolitro.

Sulphated Polysaccharide from Acanthophora spicifera Induced Hevea brasiliensis Defense Responses Against Phytophthora palmivora Infection.

Elicitors from seaweeds are considered an alternative stimulant of plant defenses against pathogenic infection. Finding new sources of elicitors and exploring their effects on plant defenses is a significant undertaking. In this study, we extracted crude polysaccharide (CPS) from Acanthophora spicifera (a red alga) and tested the effects of the compound on rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) defense responses. Accumulations of salicylic acid (SA) and scopoletin (Scp) were measured by HPLC. The expression of SA- and Jasmonic acid (JA)-responsive genes was analyzed by semi-qRT-PCR. Strong anion exchange chromatography and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used for purification and functional characterization of CPS, respectively. The extracted CPS enhanced rubber tree defenses against Phytophthora palmivora infection. It induced SA and Scp accumulations and SA-responsive gene expression, but suppressed JA-responsive gene expression. We successfully separated the non-sulphated polysaccharide (F1) from the sulphated polysaccharides (SPS). Both peaks of SPS (F2 and F3) were identified as lambda (λ)-carrageenan. The F3 fraction showed greater elicitor activity on tobacco leaves. It induced SA and Scp accumulations and peroxidase activity but suppressed catalase activity. Furthermore, the purified λ-carrageenan did not cause cell death in tobacco or rubber tree leaves. Therefore, the elicitor from A. spicifera could be an alternative plant stimulant.

Silicon as resistance inducer in to control black aphid Aphis craccivora Koch, 1854 in Phaseolus lunatus lima beans / Silício como indutor de resistência no controle do pulgão preto Aphis craccivora Koch, 1854 em fava Phaseolus lunatus

In Brazil, there are few records of insects associated with the cultivation of lima beans; among them, there is the black aphid Aphis craccivora Koch, 1854. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of silicon application on the resistance induction of lima bean plants, Phaseolus lunatus, to the black aphid A. craccivora. The experiment was conducted in the Entomology Laboratory of the Phytosanitary Sector of Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Piauí (UFPI), Brazil. The effects of the following treatments on biological aspects of the insect were evaluated: silicon applied to soil; silicon applied to soil + leaf; silicon applied to leaf; and control, without silicon application. The following biological variables were evaluated: generation period, reproductive period, and the fertility and daily average of produced nymphs per female. Plant silicon and lignin content were also evaluated. A 1% solution of silicic acid (2.0 g of product diluted in 200 mL of water) was applied around the plant stem (on soil), 15 days after emergence. Leaf application was performed with a 1-L spray, 5 days after the soil application. The non-preference of A. craccivora on lima beans was also evaluated. The evaluations were performed after 48 and 72 hours of infestation by counting nymphs and adults at each leaf section. Silicon application reduces nymph production, thereby interfering in the biological aspects of A. craccivora. Therefore, it can be used in cowpea pest management programs.(AU)

São poucos os registros no Brasil de insetos associados à cultura da fava; entre eles, destaca-se o pulgão preto Aphis craccivora Koch, 1854. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da aplicação de silício na indução de resistência de plantas de feijão-fava Phaseolus lunatus a esse inseto. O experimento foi conduzido no Laboratório de Entomologia do setor de Fitossanidade do Centro de Ciências Agrárias da Universidade Federal do Piauí (UFPI). Os efeitos da aplicação do silício sobre os aspectos biológicos do inseto foram avaliados utilizando os tratamentos: silício aplicado no solo, silício aplicado no solo + folha, silício aplicado à folha; e controle, sem aplicação de silício. Foram avaliadas as variáveis biológicas: duração do período pré-reprodutivo, período reprodutivo e fertilidade, e média diárias de ninfas produzidas por fêmea. Os teores de silício e de lignina nas plantas também foram avaliados. O ácido silícico foi aplicado em uma solução a 1% ao redor do caule das plantas (no solo), 15 dias após a emergência, diluindo-se 2,0 g do produto em 200 mL de água. Já a aplicação foliar foi realizada com um pulverizador de 1 L, 5 dias após a aplicação em solo. A não preferência de A. craccivora em feijão também foi avaliada. As avaliações foram realizadas após 48 e 72 horas da infestação, por meio da contagem de ninfas e adultos em cada secção foliar. A aplicação de silício promove a redução da produção de ninfas, interferindo nos aspectos biológicos de A. craccivora, podendo ser utilizado em programas de manejo de pragas do feijão-fava.(AU)

Silicon as resistance inducer in to control black aphid Aphis craccivora Koch, 1854 in Phaseolus lunatus lima beans / Silício como indutor de resistência no controle do pulgão preto Aphis craccivora Koch, 1854 em fava Phaseolus lunatus

In Brazil, there are few records of insects associated with the cultivation of lima beans; among them, there is the black aphid Aphis craccivora Koch, 1854. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of silicon application on the resistance induction of lima bean plants, Phaseolus lunatus, to the black aphid A. craccivora. The experiment was conducted in the Entomology Laboratory of the Phytosanitary Sector of Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal do Piauí (UFPI), Brazil. The effects of the following treatments on biological aspects of the insect were evaluated: silicon applied to soil; silicon applied to soil + leaf; silicon applied to leaf; and control, without silicon application. The following biological variables were evaluated: generation period, reproductive period, and the fertility and daily average of produced nymphs per female. Plant silicon and lignin content were also evaluated. A 1% solution of silicic acid (2.0 g of product diluted in 200 mL of water) was applied around the plant stem (on soil), 15 days after emergence. Leaf application was performed with a 1-L spray, 5 days after the soil application. The non-preference of A. craccivora on lima beans was also evaluated. The evaluations were performed after 48 and 72 hours of infestation by counting nymphs and adults at each leaf section. Silicon application reduces nymph production, thereby interfering in the biological aspects of A. craccivora. Therefore, it can be used in cowpea pest management programs.(AU)

São poucos os registros no Brasil de insetos associados à cultura da fava; entre eles, destaca-se o pulgão preto Aphis craccivora Koch, 1854. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da aplicação de silício na indução de resistência de plantas de feijão-fava Phaseolus lunatus a esse inseto. O experimento foi conduzido no Laboratório de Entomologia do setor de Fitossanidade do Centro de Ciências Agrárias da Universidade Federal do Piauí (UFPI). Os efeitos da aplicação do silício sobre os aspectos biológicos do inseto foram avaliados utilizando os tratamentos: silício aplicado no solo, silício aplicado no solo + folha, silício aplicado à folha; e controle, sem aplicação de silício. Foram avaliadas as variáveis biológicas: duração do período pré-reprodutivo, período reprodutivo e fertilidade, e média diárias de ninfas produzidas por fêmea. Os teores de silício e de lignina nas plantas também foram avaliados. O ácido silícico foi aplicado em uma solução a 1% ao redor do caule das plantas (no solo), 15 dias após a emergência, diluindo-se 2,0 g do produto em 200 mL de água. Já a aplicação foliar foi realizada com um pulverizador de 1 L, 5 dias após a aplicação em solo. A não preferência de A. craccivora em feijão também foi avaliada. As avaliações foram realizadas após 48 e 72 horas da infestação, por meio da contagem de ninfas e adultos em cada secção foliar. A aplicação de silício promove a redução da produção de ninfas, interferindo nos aspectos biológicos de A. craccivora, podendo ser utilizado em programas de manejo de pragas do feijão-fava.(AU)

Development of PSP1, a Biostimulant Based on the Elicitor AsES for Disease Management in Monocot and Dicot Crops.

In this work, we present a novel biostimulant for sustainable crop disease management, PSP1, based on the plant defense-elicitor AsES, an extracellular protease produced by the strawberry fungal pathogen Acremonium strictum. Fungal fermentation conditions and downstream processing were determined to maximize extracellular protein production, product stability and a high plant defense-eliciting activity, as monitored by anthracnose resistance in supernatant-treated strawberry plants subsequently infected with a virulent strain of Colletotrichum acutatum. Fermentation batches were shown to reduce anthracnose development by 30-60% as compared to infected non-treated plants. Product formulation was shown to be stable for 6 months when stored at temperatures up to 45°C and toxicological tests showed that PSP1 was harmless to beneficial organisms and non-toxic to mammalian species at concentrations 50 times higher than those used in plant experiments. Furthermore, disease protection studies using dilutions of PSP1 indicated that there is a minimum threshold protease activity needed to induce pathogen defense in strawberry and that this induction effect is dose-independent. A significant characteristic of PSP1 is its broad-range protection against different diseases in various crop species. In soybean, PSP1 reduced the symptomatology by 70% of Corynespora cassiicola, etiological agent of the target spot. This protection effect was similar to the commercial inducer BION 500 WG based on BTH, and both products were shown to induce an oxidative burst and up-regulated PR1-gene expression in soybean. Furthermore, a double PSP1-treatment on greenhouse-grown sugarcane plants provided protection against bacterial red stripe disease caused by Acidovorax avenae and a double foliar application of PSP1 on field-grown wheat plants significantly increased resistance against Fusarium graminearum, causal agent of head blight disease, manifested mainly in an increased seed germination rate. In summary, these disease protection studies demonstrated an effective control against both bacterial and fungal pathogens in both monocot and dicot crop species, which together with its low production cost, effectiveness at low concentrations, long shelf-life, tolerance to high temperatures, harmlessness to non-target organisms and simple handling and application, make PSP1 a very promising candidate for effective and sustainable disease management in many crop species.

Maize plants produce direct resistance elicited by Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) / Plantas de milho produz resistência elicitada por Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Abstract Plants can be attacked by a wide variety of herbivores. Thus, developing protective mechanisms for resistance against these agents is an advantage for survival and reproduction. Over the course of evolution, many resistance mechanisms against herbivory have been developed by the plants. Induced direct and indirect resistance mechanisms can manifest in plants after herbivore attack. The two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae is not a pest of maize crops (Zea mays), despite being reported infesting plants that may have resistances against this herbivore. We tested the hypothesis that maize plants would be able to induce direct resistance against T. urticae after, evaluating the effect of T. urticae infestation in maize plants on the development and reproduction of conspecifics. We tested induced direct resistance performing infestation and measuring biological parameters upon a second infestation. Maize plants, 40 days after sowing, were divided into two groups: 30 not infested by T. urticae (clean plants clean) and, 30 infested by the spider mite. Infestation of maize plants by T. urticae reduced the conspecific female adult survival. However, no change in the survival of immature or reproduction was observed. These results suggest the induction of induced direct resistances in maize by T. urticae. This is first report of direct resistance induction in Z. mays by the two-spotted spider mite T. urticae.

Resumo As plantas podem ser atacadas por uma grande diversidade de herbívoros. Sendo assim, o desenvolvimento de mecanismos de proteção para se defenderem destes agentes é um diferencial para a sobrevivência e reprodução. Ao longo da evolução, diversos mecanismos de resistência contra herbívoria foram desenvolvidos pelas plantas. Mecanismos de resistência induzida direta e indireta podem manifestar-se em plantas após o ataque de herbívoros. O ácaro-rajado Tetranychus urticae não é uma praga na cultura da cultura do milho (Zea mays), apesar de ser relatado infestando plantas, as quais podem apresentar resistências contra tal herbívoro. Testamos a hipótese de que plantas de milho seriam capazes de induzir resistências diretas à T. urticae após o ataque, avaliando o efeito da infestação de T. urticae de plantas em milho sobre seu desenvolvimento e reprodução de coespecíficos. Testamos resistência induzida direta realizando uma infestação e medindo os parâmetros biológicos em uma segunda infestação. Plantas de milho foram divididas em dois grupos: 30 plantas não por T. urticae (plantas limpas) e 30 plantas infestadas pelo ácaro-rajado. A infestação de plantas de milho por T. urticae reduziu a sobrevivência de fêmeas adultas do coespecífico. Entretanto, não foi observada alteração na sobrevivência das formas imaturas ou reprodução. Tais resultados sugerem a indução de resistências induzida diretas em milho por T. urticae. Este é primeiro relato de indução de resistência direta em Z. mays pelo ácaro-rajado T. urticae.

Maize plants produce direct resistance elicited by Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) / Plantas de milho produz resistência elicitada por Tetranychus urticae Koch(Acari: Tetranychidae)

Plants can be attacked by a wide variety of herbivores. Thus, developing protective mechanisms for resistance against these agents is an advantage for survival and reproduction. Over the course of evolution, many resistance mechanisms against herbivory have been developed by the plants. Induced direct and indirect resistance mechanisms can manifest in plants after herbivore attack. The two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae is not a pest of maize crops (Zea mays), despite being reported infesting plants that may have resistances against this herbivore. We tested the hypothesis that maize plants would be able to induce direct resistance against T. urticae after, evaluating the effect of T. urticae infestation in maize plants on the development and reproduction of conspecifics. We tested induced direct resistance performing infestation and measuring biological parameters upon a second infestation. Maize plants, 40 days after sowing, were divided into two groups: 30 not infested by T. urticae (clean plants clean) and, 30 infested by the spider mite. Infestation of maize plants by T. urticae reduced the conspecific female adult survival. However, no change in the survival of immature or reproduction was observed. These results suggest the induction of induced direct resistances in maize by T. urticae. This is first report of direct resistance induction in Z. mays by the two-spotted spider mite T. urticae.(AU)

As plantas podem ser atacadas por uma grande diversidade de herbívoros. Sendo assim, o desenvolvimento de mecanismos de proteção para se defenderem destes agentes é um diferencial para a sobrevivência e reprodução. Ao longo da evolução, diversos mecanismos de resistência contra herbívoria foram desenvolvidos pelas plantas. Mecanismos de resistência induzida direta e indireta podem manifestar-se em plantas após o ataque de herbívoros. O ácaro-rajado Tetranychus urticae não é uma praga na cultura da cultura do milho (Zea mays), apesar de ser relatado infestando plantas, as quais podem apresentar resistências contra tal herbívoro. Testamos a hipótese de que plantas de milho seriam capazes de induzir resistências diretas à T. urticae após o ataque, avaliando o efeito da infestação de T. urticae de plantas em milho sobre seu desenvolvimento e reprodução de coespecíficos. Testamos resistência induzida direta realizando uma infestação e medindo os parâmetros biológicos em uma segunda infestação. Plantas de milho foram divididas em dois grupos: 30 plantas não por T. urticae (plantas limpas) e 30 plantas infestadas pelo ácaro-rajado. A infestação de plantas de milho por T. urticae reduziu a sobrevivência de fêmeas adultas do coespecífico. Entretanto, não foi observada alteração na sobrevivência das formas imaturas ou reprodução. Tais resultados sugerem a indução de resistências induzida diretas em milho por T. urticae. Este é primeiro relato de indução de resistência direta em Z. mays pelo ácaro-rajado T. urticae.(AU)

Maize plants produce direct resistance elicited by Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Abstract Plants can be attacked by a wide variety of herbivores. Thus, developing protective mechanisms for resistance against these agents is an advantage for survival and reproduction. Over the course of evolution, many resistance mechanisms against herbivory have been developed by the plants. Induced direct and indirect resistance mechanisms can manifest in plants after herbivore attack. The two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae is not a pest of maize crops (Zea mays), despite being reported infesting plants that may have resistances against this herbivore. We tested the hypothesis that maize plants would be able to induce direct resistance against T. urticae after, evaluating the effect of T. urticae infestation in maize plants on the development and reproduction of conspecifics. We tested induced direct resistance performing infestation and measuring biological parameters upon a second infestation. Maize plants, 40 days after sowing, were divided into two groups: 30 not infested by T. urticae (clean plants clean) and, 30 infested by the spider mite. Infestation of maize plants by T. urticae reduced the conspecific female adult survival. However, no change in the survival of immature or reproduction was observed. These results suggest the induction of induced direct resistances in maize by T. urticae. This is first report of direct resistance induction in Z. mays by the two-spotted spider mite T. urticae.

Resumo As plantas podem ser atacadas por uma grande diversidade de herbívoros. Sendo assim, o desenvolvimento de mecanismos de proteção para se defenderem destes agentes é um diferencial para a sobrevivência e reprodução. Ao longo da evolução, diversos mecanismos de resistência contra herbívoria foram desenvolvidos pelas plantas. Mecanismos de resistência induzida direta e indireta podem manifestar-se em plantas após o ataque de herbívoros. O ácaro-rajado Tetranychus urticae não é uma praga na cultura da cultura do milho (Zea mays), apesar de ser relatado infestando plantas, as quais podem apresentar resistências contra tal herbívoro. Testamos a hipótese de que plantas de milho seriam capazes de induzir resistências diretas à T. urticae após o ataque, avaliando o efeito da infestação de T. urticae de plantas em milho sobre seu desenvolvimento e reprodução de coespecíficos. Testamos resistência induzida direta realizando uma infestação e medindo os parâmetros biológicos em uma segunda infestação. Plantas de milho foram divididas em dois grupos: 30 plantas não por T. urticae (plantas limpas) e 30 plantas infestadas pelo ácaro-rajado. A infestação de plantas de milho por T. urticae reduziu a sobrevivência de fêmeas adultas do coespecífico. Entretanto, não foi observada alteração na sobrevivência das formas imaturas ou reprodução. Tais resultados sugerem a indução de resistências induzida diretas em milho por T. urticae. Este é primeiro relato de indução de resistência direta em Z. mays pelo ácaro-rajado T. urticae.

Maize plants produce direct resistance elicited by Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Abstract Plants can be attacked by a wide variety of herbivores. Thus, developing protective mechanisms for resistance against these agents is an advantage for survival and reproduction. Over the course of evolution, many resistance mechanisms against herbivory have been developed by the plants. Induced direct and indirect resistance mechanisms can manifest in plants after herbivore attack. The two-spotted spider mite Tetranychus urticae is not a pest of maize crops (Zea mays), despite being reported infesting plants that may have resistances against this herbivore. We tested the hypothesis that maize plants would be able to induce direct resistance against T. urticae after, evaluating the effect of T. urticae infestation in maize plants on the development and reproduction of conspecifics. We tested induced direct resistance performing infestation and measuring biological parameters upon a second infestation. Maize plants, 40 days after sowing, were divided into two groups: 30 not infested by T. urticae (clean plants clean) and, 30 infested by the spider mite. Infestation of maize plants by T. urticae reduced the conspecific female adult survival. However, no change in the survival of immature or reproduction was observed. These results suggest the induction of induced direct resistances in maize by T. urticae. This is first report of direct resistance induction in Z. mays by the two-spotted spider mite T. urticae.

Resumo As plantas podem ser atacadas por uma grande diversidade de herbívoros. Sendo assim, o desenvolvimento de mecanismos de proteção para se defenderem destes agentes é um diferencial para a sobrevivência e reprodução. Ao longo da evolução, diversos mecanismos de resistência contra herbívoria foram desenvolvidos pelas plantas. Mecanismos de resistência induzida direta e indireta podem manifestar-se em plantas após o ataque de herbívoros. O ácaro-rajado Tetranychus urticae não é uma praga na cultura da cultura do milho (Zea mays), apesar de ser relatado infestando plantas, as quais podem apresentar resistências contra tal herbívoro. Testamos a hipótese de que plantas de milho seriam capazes de induzir resistências diretas à T. urticae após o ataque, avaliando o efeito da infestação de T. urticae de plantas em milho sobre seu desenvolvimento e reprodução de coespecíficos. Testamos resistência induzida direta realizando uma infestação e medindo os parâmetros biológicos em uma segunda infestação. Plantas de milho foram divididas em dois grupos: 30 plantas não por T. urticae (plantas limpas) e 30 plantas infestadas pelo ácaro-rajado. A infestação de plantas de milho por T. urticae reduziu a sobrevivência de fêmeas adultas do coespecífico. Entretanto, não foi observada alteração na sobrevivência das formas imaturas ou reprodução. Tais resultados sugerem a indução de resistências induzida diretas em milho por T. urticae. Este é primeiro relato de indução de resistência direta em Z. mays pelo ácaro-rajado T. urticae.

Plant immunity: unravelling the complexity of plant responses to biotic stresses.

Background: Plants are constantly exposed to evolving pathogens and pests, with crop losses representing a considerable threat to global food security. As pathogen evolution can overcome disease resistance that is conferred by individual plant resistance genes, an enhanced understanding of the plant immune system is necessary for the long-term development of effective disease management strategies. Current research is rapidly advancing our understanding of the plant innate immune system, with this multidisciplinary subject area reflected in the content of the 18 papers in this Special Issue. Scope: Advances in specific areas of plant innate immunity are highlighted in this issue, with focus on molecular interactions occurring between plant hosts and viruses, bacteria, phytoplasmas, oomycetes, fungi, nematodes and insect pests. We provide a focus on research across multiple areas related to pathogen sensing and plant immune response. Topics covered are categorized as follows: binding proteins in plant immunity; cytokinin phytohormones in plant growth and immunity; plant-virus interactions; plant-phytoplasma interactions; plant-fungus interactions; plant-nematode interactions; plant immunity in Citrus; plant peptides and volatiles; and assimilate dynamics in source/sink metabolism. Conclusions: Although knowledge of the plant immune system remains incomplete, the considerable ongoing scientific progress into pathogen sensing and plant immune response mechanisms suggests far reaching implications for the development of durable disease resistance against pathogens and pests.