Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Fungal root pathogens'

Bibliography: leaves 307-329. This study concludes that in soils in South Australia where root-rotting fungi and P. neglectus exist together, root disease of wheat is caused by their combined effect. Evidence suggests that P. neglectus not only contributes to this interaction through mechanical wounding of roots, but also causes biochemical and physiological changes in plants, making them more prone to fungal infection.

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Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
The occurrence of root diseases is one of the main reasons of yield loss in melon crop, especially the pathogens that causes root and collar rot, as the fungi Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc., Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Gold. and Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn, being observed in muskmelon either alone or associated. The use of crop residues and plant materil, besides the improvement in the physical properties of the soil, also favors microbial activity of the species presents in this environment and affects negatively onpathogens population. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the associations of F. solani, M. phaseolina and R. solani in the incidence and severity of root rot and fresh and dry weight of muskmelon and verify the effect of green manure in root rot caused by these pathogens alone or associated. The experiment was conducted in two stages, in a greenhouse. The first stage evaluated the association of F. solani, M. phaseolina and R. solani causing root rot in melon, using a randomized block design with 8 treatments (F. solani; M. phaseolina, R. solani, F. solani + M. phaseolina, F. solani + R. solani; M. phaseolina + R. solani, F. solani + M. phaseolina + R. solani; non-infested soil) and 8 repetitions with experimental unit of one pot (3.5 L) with 2 plants. The characteristics evaluated were the incidence of root rot in melon plants at the end of the cycle; disease severity based on a scale notes, and the fresh and dry weight of muskmelon. At the second stage, evaluated the effects of green manure in the association of these pathogens in muskmelon, which was conducted one experiment with Jack beans (Canavalia ensiformis L. DC) and another with Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. BR.). The experiments were performed simultaneously in a randomized block design with 8 x 4 factorial {8 types of fungi / association (M. phaseolina, R. solani, F. solani, M. phaseolina + R. solani; M. phaseolina + F. solani, R. solani + F. solani; M. phaseolina + R. solani + F. solani; non-infested soil), 4 forms of management [incorporated, in coverage, polyethylene film (mulching) and without managment]} and 4 repetitions. The characteristics evaluated were the incidence of root rot of melon plants at the end of the cycle, and the fresh and dry weight of muskmelon. The results of disease incidence were submitted to the non-parametric test of Kruskal-Wallis and the fresh and dry weight of muskmelon were analyzed by the Scott-Knott test, both with significance level of 5% of probability (α = 0.05%). At stage 1, the treatment with the three pathogens F. solani, M. phaseolina and R. solani associated resulted in lower incidence of plants with symptoms and was not statistically different from the control. The pathogen R. solani was the least prevalent in the associations. The lowest accumulation of fresh and dry matter happened when the soil was infested with Fusarium solani alone. At stage 2, Jack beans in coverage provided lower incidence of root rot in muskmelon with Fusarium solani alone and in triple association (F. solani +M. phaseolina and R. solani). The use of Pearl millet had no effect on root rot incidence in most treatments. In both experiments (Jack beans andPearl millet), Macrophomina phaseolina was the fungus that prevailed in almost all associations. Jack beans and millet did not increase the fresh and dry weight of muskmelon in most treatments
A ocorrência de doenças radiculares representa uma das principais causas de perda de rendimento na cultura do melão, com destaque para os patógenos causadores das podridões de raízes e colos, como os fungos Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc., Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Gold. e Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn, sendo observados no meloeiro tanto de forma isolada quanto associada. A utilização de restos de cultura e material vegetal, além de melhorar as propriedades físicas do solo, favorece a atividade microbiana das espécies presentes neste ambiente e interfere negativamente sobre a população de patógenos. Portanto, objetiva-se com este trabalho avaliar as associações dos patógenos F. solani, M. phaseolina e R. solani na incidência e severidade de podridão radicular e na massa da matéria fresca e seca do meloeiro e verificar o efeito de materiais vegetais na podridão radicular causada por estes patógenos isolados ou associados. O experimento foi conduzido em duas etapas, em casa de vegetação, sendo que na primeira avaliou-se a associação de F. solani, M. phaseolina e R. solani causando podridão radicular em meloeiro, quando foi utilizado o delineamento em blocos casualizados com 8 tratamentos (F. solani; M. phaseolina; R. solani; F. solani + M. phaseolina; F. solani + R. solani; M. phaseolina + R. solani; F. solani + M. phaseolina + R. solani; solo não infestado) e 8 repetições, com unidade experimental de 1 vaso (3,5 L) com duas plantas. As características avaliadas foram: incidência de podridão radicular nas plantas de melão no fim do ciclo, severidade da doença com base em escala de notas, além da matéria fresca e seca das plantas de melão. Na segunda etapa, foi avaliado o efeito de materiais vegetais na associação desses patógenos, também em meloeiro, onde foi realizado um experimento com Feijão-de-porco (Canavalia ensiformis L. DC) e outro com Milheto (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. BR.). Os experimentos foram conduzidos simultaneamente, em delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, com esquema fatorial 8 x 4, sendo 8 tipos de fungos/associação (M. phaseolina; R. solani; F. solani; M. phaseolina + R. solani; M. phaseolina + F. solani; R. solani + F. solani; M. phaseolina + R. solani + F. solani; solo sem inoculação), 4 formas de manejo (incorporado, cobertura, mulching e sem manejo) e 4 repetições. As características avaliadas foram: incidência de podridão radicular nas plantas de melão no fim do ciclo, a massa da matéria fresca e seca das plantas de melão. Os resultados de incidência de doença obtidos foram submetidos ao teste não paramétrico de Kruskal-Wallis e a massa damatéria fresca e seca foram analisados pelo teste de Scott-Knott, ambos com nível de significância a 5% de probabilidade (α = 0,05%). Na etapa 1, o tratamento no qual foram associados três patógenos F. solani, M. phaseolina e R. solani propiciou menor porcentagem de plantas com sintomas da doença e não diferiu estatisticamente da testemunha. O fitopatógeno R. solani foi o que menos prevaleceu nas associações. Quando o solo foi infestado com Fusarium solani, isoladamente, o melão obteve baixo acúmulo de matéria fresca e seca. Na etapa II, o feijão-de-porco em cobertura proporcionoiu menor incidência de podridão radicular do meloeiro quando o Fusarium solani estava sozinho e em associação tripla (F. solani +M. phaseolina e R. solani). A utilização do milheto não apresentou efeito na incidência de podridão radicular na maioria dos tratamentos. Tanto na utilização do feijão-de-porco quanto do milheto, M. phaseolina foi o fungo que prevaleceu na maioria das associações nas quais estava presente. O feijão-de-porco e o milheto não proporcionaram aumento na massa da matéria fresca e seca do meloeiro na maioria dos tratamentos

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Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior
The fungus M. cannonballus is a thermophilic plant pathogen, associated with the decline of crude oil in cucurbits worldwide. Although frequently associated with this family, which causes the decline of crude oil, this fungus has been reported in other crops, including maize, beans and cotton, and is, however, little known pathogenicity in these species. The objective of this study was to evaluate the susceptibility of cultivars of different host crops cucurbits and not cucurbits, front inoculation of two isolates of M. cannonballus. The present study tested the behavior of two isolates of M. cannonballus, CMM 3646, isolated Boerhavia diffusa roots (Catch pinto) and CMM 2390, isolated from melon roots, compared to 10 crops (tomatoes, beans, sesame, pumpkin, cucumber, melon, watermelon, sorghum, corn and cotton) with two cultivars of each, totaling forty treatments. With the means of this evaluation we calculated the overall index of the disease (IGD). Pathogenicity was confirmed by isolation of the inoculated fungus. The production of the inoculum of strains was made from the PDA culture medium containing the fungus mycelium. The crops were grown in pots containing sterile soil mixture, sand and substrate. After 50 days of culture, the insulation made from the roots of plants. It was found varying degrees of resistance and susceptibility of cultivars evaluated on isolates used. Cultivars of cucurbits were grouped into categories which the highly susceptible front of the CMM-3646 and CMM-2390 isolated. The species belonging to this family were the ones that had higher IGD. The cultivars of tomato and corn had susceptibility behavior to fungal isolates of M. cannonballus. The sorghum cultivars for both isolates of M. cannonballus behaved as moderately resistant. The cultures do not cucurbits such as cotton, sesame and cowpea obtained degrees of resistance to the fungal isolates used
O fungo Monosporascus cannonballus é um fitopatógeno termófilo, associado ao declínio das ramas em cucurbitáceas em todo o mundo. Apesar de ser frequentemente associado a esta família, na qual provoca o declínio das ramas, este fungo tem sido relatado em outras culturas, entre elas o milho, o feijão e o algodão, sendo, no entanto, pouco conhecida a sua patogenicidade nessas espécies. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a susceptibilidade de cultivares de diferentes culturas hospedeiras cucurbitáceas e não cucurbitáceas, frente a inoculação de dois isolados de M. cannonballus. No presente trabalho foi testado o comportamento de dois isolados de M. cannonballus, CMM 3646, isolado de raízes de Boerhavia difusa (Pega-pinto) e CMM 2390, isolado de raízes de meloeiro, frente a 10 culturas (tomate, feijão, gergelim, abóbora, pepino, melão, melancia, sorgo, milho e algodão) com duas cultivares de cada, totalizando quarenta tratamentos. Com as médias desta avaliação foi calculado o índice geral da doença (IGD). A patogenicidade foi confirmada através do isolamento do fungo inoculado. A produção do inóculo dos isolados foi feita a partir do meio de cultura BDA, contendo micélios do fungo. Os cultivares, foram cultivados em vasos, contendo uma mistura estéril de solo, areia e substrato. Após 50 dias de cultivo, o ensaio foi desmontado e feito o isolamento das raízes das plantas. Foi constatado resistência e diferentes graus de susceptibilidade dos cultivares avaliados aos isolados utilizados. Os cultivares de cucurbitáceas foram agrupadas nas categorias de susceptíveis a muito susceptíveis frente aos isolados CMM-3646 e CMM-2390. As espécies pertencentes a essa família foram as que obtiveram maiores IGD. Os cultivares de tomate e milho tiveram comportamento de susceptibilidade aos isolados fúngicos de M. cannonballus. Os cultivares de sorgo para ambos os isolados de M. cannonballus se comportaram como medianamente resistentes. As culturas não cucurbitáceas como as de algodão, gergelim e feijão-caupi obtiveram graus de resistência aos isolados de fúngicos utilizados

Muscodor albus Worapong, Strobel & Hess, isolate CZ-620 (MA) is an endophytic fungus that produces volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and non-volatile antimicrobial compounds. The use of these VOCs to inhibit or kill a wide range of microorganisms is termed mycofumigation. This dissertation focuses on parameters of MA mycofumigation including: production and bioactivity of previously un-described water-soluble antimicrobial compounds produced by MA; distribution of antimicrobial compounds from a MA point source in three soil types as measured by effects on Verticillium dahliae and Colletotrichum coccodes; control of V. dahliae and C. coccodes on potato; the ability of MA to colonize soil; and the effects of mycofumigation on ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) in vitro and on the colonization of onion roots by the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus Glomus intraradices. The bioactivity of water-soluble compounds produced in potato dextrose broth was significantly increased as measured in growth reduction of C. coccodes, V. dahliae, and Rhizoctonia solani. No reduction was observed for Aphanomyces cochlioides and Pythium ultimum. Antimicrobial compounds from a MA colonized barley point source reduced V. dahliae and C. coccodes populations in soils by 60-100% at distances up to 9 cm from the inoculation source depending on soil type. Mortality rate ranging from 70-100% was observed within a 3 cm radius from the inoculation source. In both field and greenhouse trials, MA colonized barley formulation reduced Verticillium wilt and black dot root rot severity and reduced populations of both pathogens in potato tissue as measured by real-time quantitative PCR and serial dilution. Planting directly into mycofumigated soil previously infested with V. dahliae or C. coccodes resulted in equal control of the pathogens when compared to a one-week mycofumigation period prior to planting. After six weeks of incubation MA did not colonize sterile soil further than 0.5 cm away from a MA inoculation point. In vitro experiments showed that most of the tested EMF were inhibited in the presence of MA VOCs, but were able to resume growth when removed from VOCs. Incorporating MA into soil had no negative but supportive effect on onion root colonization by the AM fungus G. intraradices.

Non-mycorrhizal fungal endophytes are able to colonize internally roots without causing visible disease symptoms establishing neutral or mutualistic associations with plants. These fungi known as non-clavicipitaceous endophytes have a broad host range of monocot and eudicot plants and are highly diverse. Some of them promote plant growth and confer increased abiotic-stress tolerance and disease resistance. According to such possible effects on host plants, it was aimed to isolate and to characterize native fungal root endophytes from tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) and to analyze their effects on plant development, plant resistance and fruit yield and quality together with the model endophyte Piriformospora indica. Fifty one new fungal strains were isolated from desinfected tomato roots of four different crop sites in Colombia. These isolates were roughly characterized and fourteen potential endophytes were further analyzed concerning their taxonomy, their root colonization capacity and their impact on plant growth. Sequencing of the ITS region from the ribosomal RNA gene cluster and in-depth morphological characterisation revealed that they correspond to different phylogenetic groups among the phylum Ascomycota. Nine different morphotypes were described including six dark septate endophytes (DSE) that did not correspond to the Phialocephala group. Detailed confocal microscopy analysis showed various colonization patterns of the endophytes inside the roots ranging from epidermal penetration to hyphal growth through the cortex. Tomato pot experiments under glass house conditions showed that they differentially affect plant growth depending on colonization time and inoculum concentration. Three new isolates (two unknown fungal endophyte DSE48, DSE49 and one identified as Leptodontidium orchidicola) with neutral or positiv effects were selected and tested in several experiments for their influence on vegetative growth, fruit yield and quality and their ability to diminish the impact of the pathogen Verticillium dahliae on tomato plants. Although plant growth promotion by all three fungi was observed in young plants, vegetative growth parameters were not affected after 22 weeks of cultivation except a reproducible increase of root diameter by the endophyte DSE49. Additionally, L. orchidicola increased biomass and glucose content of tomato fruits, but only at an early date of harvest and at a certain level of root colonization. Concerning bioprotective effects, the endophytes DSE49 and L. orchidicola decreased significantly disease symptoms caused by the pathogen V. dahliae, but only at a low dosis of the pathogen. In order to analyze, if the model root endophytic fungus Piriformospora indica could be suitable for application in production systems, its impact on tomato was evaluated. Similarly to the new fungal isolates, significant differences for vegetative growth parameters were only observable in young plants and, but protection against V. dahliae could be seen in one experiment also at high dosage of the pathogen. As the DSE L. orchidicola, P. indica increased the number and biomass of marketable tomatoes only at the beginning of fruit setting, but this did not lead to a significant higher total yield. If the effects on growth are due to a better nutrition of the plant with mineral element was analyzed in barley in comparison to the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Glomus mosseae. While the mycorrhizal fungus increased nitrogen and phosphate uptake of the plant, no such effect was observed for P. indica. In summary this work shows that many different fungal endophytes can be also isolated from roots of crops and, that these isolates can have positive effects on early plant development. This does, however, not lead to an increase in total yield or in improvement of fruit quality of tomatoes under greenhouse conditions.
Endophyten, die nicht zu den Mykorrhizapilzen gehören, können das Innere von Wurzeln ohne sichtbare Krankheitssymptome besiedeln und bilden so mit der Pflanze neutrale oder mutualistische Wechselwirkungen. Diese Pilze, auch als nicht-clavicipetale Endophyten bekannt, haben ein breites Wirtsspektrum von mono- und dikotyledonen Pflanzen und weisen eine hohe Diversität auf. Einige von ihnen fördern Pflanzenwachstum und erhöhen Resistenz und Toleranz gegenüber biotischem und abiotischem Stress. Ausgehenden von diesen möglichen Effekten auf ihre Wirtspflanzen war das Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit die Isolierung und Charakterisierung neuer pilzlicher Wurzelendophyten der Tomate (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) und die Analyse ihres Einflusses auf Pflanzenentwicklung und Pflanzenresistenz, sowie auf Ertrag und Fruchtqualität unter Einbeziehung des Modellendophyten Piriformospora indica. Aus vier verschiedenen Anbaugebieten in Kolumbien konnten 51 neue Pilzstämme von oberflächensterilisierten Tomatenwurzeln isoliert werden. Diese Isolate wurden vorcharakterisiert und 14 potentielle Endophyten bezüglich ihrer Taxonomie, ihrer Besiedlungsmuster und ihres Einfluss auf das Pflanzenwachstum näher untersucht. Sequenzierung der ITS Region des ribosomalen RNA Genclusters und genaue morphologische Charakterisierung zeigten, dass sie zu verschiedenen phylogenetischen Gruppen innerhalb der Ascomycota gehören. Neun Morphotypen ließen sich beschreiben, wobei sechs zu den ‚Dark Septate Endophytes’ (DSEs) gehören, aber nicht mit der bekannten Phialocephala Gruppe verwandt waren. Ausführliche konfokale mikroskopische Untersuchungen ergaben sehr verschiedene Besiedelungsmuster der Wurzelendophyten vom Endringen in die Epidermis bis zum Hyphenwachstum durch den Kortex. Topfexperimente unter Gewächshausbedingungen zeigten dass die Isolate in Abhängigkeit von der Inokulumkonzentration und der Zeit der Besiedlung das Wachstum der Tomaten sehr unterschiedlich beeinflussten. Drei neue Isolate (die beiden unbekannte pilzlichen Endophyten DSE48 und DSE49 und eines identifiziert als Leptodontidium orchidicola) mit neutralen oder positiven Effekten wurden für weitere Versuche ausgewählt. In mehreren Experimenten sollte ihr Einfluss auf das vegetative Wachstum, auf Ertrag und auf Fruchtqualität untersucht werden, sowie ihre Fähigkeit die Auswirkungen des Pathogens Verticillium dahliae auf Tomatenpflanzen zu vermindern. Obwohl wachstumsfördernde Effekte durch alle drei Pilze in jungen Pflanzen beobachtet wurden, waren vegetative Wachstumsparameter nach 22 Wochen der Besiedlung nicht mehr beeinflusst bis auf ein signifikante Erhöhung des Wurzeldurchmessers durch den Endophyten DSE49. L. orchidicola dagegen erhöhte die Biomasse und den Glukosegehalt der Früchte, aber nur zu frühen Ernteterminen und bei einer bestimmten Intensität der Wurzelbesiedelung. Hinsichtlich eines schützenden Effekts, konnten die Endophyten DSE49 und L. orchidicola die Krankheitssymptome, die durch V. dahliae verursacht wurden, vermindern, aber nur bei einem geringen Pathogendruck. Um zu überprüfen, ob der Modellendophyt P. indica in Produktionssytemen eingesetzt werden kann, wurde seine Auswirkungen auf Tomaten untersucht. Ähnlich wie die neuen pilzlichen Isolate, zeigte aber auch er seinen fördernden Einfluss nur auf das frühe vegetative Wachstum. Schützende Effekte gegen V. dahliae konnten ebenfalls nur bei niedrigem Pathogendruck konstant beobachtet werden. Wie L. orchidicola erhöhte P. indica die Biomasse an marktfähigen Tomaten am Anfang des Fruchtansatzes, was nicht zu einem insgesamt höheren Ertrag führte. Ob die beobachteten Effekte auf ein verbesserte Nährstoffversorgung der Pflanze zurückzuführen seien, wurde in Gerste im Vergleich mit dem arbuskulären Mykorrhizapilz Glomus mosseae untersucht. Während der Mykorrhizapilz sowohl Phosphat wie Stickstoffaufnehme der Pflanze erhöhte, konnte dies für P. indica nicht festgestellt werden. Zusammenfassend zeigt diese Arbeit, dass auch aus Wurzeln von Kulturpflanzen viele verschiedene pilzliche Endophyten isoliert werden können, und dass einige von diesen durchaus einen positiven Effekt auf die frühe Pflanzenentwicklung aufweisen. Zumindest für Tomate unter Gewächshausbedingungen führen diese Effekte aber nicht zu einer Erhöhung des Gesamtertrags oder einer nachhaltigen Verbesserung der Fruchtqualität.

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Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES
This study aimed to verify the frequency of fungi associated to melon (Cucumis melo L.) roots with collapse symptoms and their correlation with physical, chemical and microbiologic characteristics of soils. It also aimed to analyze the influence of inoculum densities and strains of Monosporascus cannonballus on the melon collapse, evaluating suitable methods to quantify disease. Melon plants with collapse symptoms and soil samples were collected from 10 producing areas, located in the counties of Mossoró and Baraúna (State of Rio Grande do Norte) and Quixeré (State of Ceará). The isolation frequency (FI) of fungi was obtained for each area, while the soil samples were analyzed in relation to physical, chemical and microbiologic characteristics. Monosporascus cannonballus inoculum densities of 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 cfu/g of soil were essayed for collapse severity (SD), plant length (CP), shoot fresh biomass (BFPA) and root fresh biomass (BFR), shoot dry biomass (BSPA) and root dry biomass (PSR), areas of first and second true leaves (A1FD and A2FD), accumulated leaf area (AFA), total volume of plant (VTP), total fresh biomass of plant (BFTP) and total dry biomass of plant (BSTP). In the variability essay were utilized 44 strains of M. cannonballus with inoculum density of 10 cfu/g of soil. In the FI survey, high prevalences were verified for Fusarium solani and Macrophomina phaseolina (100%), while lower values were verified for Rhizoctonia solani (40%), M. cannonballus (30%) and Sclerotium rolfsii (30%). Fusarium solani and M. phaseolina presented similar FI, ranging from 1.6 to 60.0%, while M. cannonballus showed FI from 0.0 to 71.1%, R. solani from 0.0 to 18.0% and S. rolfsii from 0.0 to 13.3%. The FI of F. solani and M. cannonballus were respectively higher in melon type Orange (57.1%) and Cantaloupe (40.9%), as well as in areas with one or two years (45.4%) andwith more than five years (48.2%) of cropping. The FI of F. solani and M. cannonballus were inversely correlated (r = -0.79), and were influenced by the amount of Bacillus spp. in the soil (r = -0.71 and 0.80, respectively). The FI of M. phaseolina correlated with phosphorus level (r = 0.68), the FI of R. solani with flocculation degree (r = 0.67), field capacity (r = -0.81), pH (r = -0.75), aluminum level (r = 0.85) and total acidity (r = 0.69). The FI of S. rolfsii correlated with the permanent wilting point (r = -0.78) and soil available water (r = 0.75). The progress curves of SD, CP, A1FD, A2FD and AFA, related to inoculum densities, were adjusted by non-linear logistic model. Low inoculum densities (0.1, 0.5 and 1 cfu/g of soil) produced high levels of SD, ranging from 15.6 to 53.1%. Densities from 20 to 50 cfu/g of soil did not substantially increase SD. In the essay with different M. cannonballus strains, the analyzed variables propitiated formation of threesimilarity groups and evidenced strain variability within and among areas. High coefficients of correlation and determination confirmed the fit of SD with A1FD, A2FD and AFA in two essays demonstrating potential use to quantify the melon collapse.
Este estudo teve como objetivos determinar a freqüência de fungos associados às raízes de meloeiro (Cucumis melo L.) com sintomas de colapso, relacionando-a com as características físicas, químicas e microbiológicas dos solos, e verificar a influência de densidades de inóculo e isolados de Monosporascus cannonballus sobre o colapso do meloeiro, avaliando metodologias adequadas para a quantificação da doença. Meloeiros com sintomas de colapso e amostras de solos foram coletados em 10 áreas produtoras, localizadas nos municípios de Mossoró e Baraúna (RN) e Quixeré (CE). A freqüência de isolamento (FI) de fungos foi obtida para cada área, enquanto as amostras de solo foram analisadas quanto às características físicas, químicas e microbiológicas. No ensaio de densidades de inóculo de M. cannonballus foram utilizadas as densidades de 0,1; 0,5; 1; 5; 10; 25 e 50 ufc/g de solo, avaliando-se a severidade do colapso (SD), comprimentoda planta (CP), biomassa fresca da parte aérea (BFPA) e da raiz (BFR), biomassa seca da parte aérea (BSPA) e da raiz (BSR), áreas da 1ª e 2ª folhas definitivas (A1FD e A2FD), área foliar acumulada (AFA), volume total da planta (VTP), biomassa fresca total (BFTP) e biomassa seca total da planta (BSTP). No ensaio de variabilidade foram utilizados 44 isolados de M. cannonballus, na densidade de inóculo de 10 ufc/g de solo. No levantamento da FI, prevalências elevadas (100%) foram constatadas para Fusarium solani e Macrophomina phaseolina, enquanto valores menores foram verificados para Rhizoctonia solani (40%), M. cannonballus (30%) e Sclerotium rolfsii (30%). Fusarium solani e M. phaseolina apresentaram FI similares, variando de 1,6 a 60,0%, enquanto M. cannonballus apresentou FI de 0,0 a 71,1%, R. solani de 0,0 a 18% e S. rolfsii de 0,0 a13,3%. As FI de F. solani e M. cannonballus foram respectivamente superiores em meloeiros dos tipos Orange (57,1%) e Cantaloupe (40,9%), assim como em áreas com um ou dois anos (45,4%) e com mais de cinco anos (48,2%) de cultivo. As FI de F. solani e M. cannonballus correlacionaram-se inversamente entre si (r = -0,79), sendo estas influenciadas pela quantidade de Bacillus spp. presente no solo (r = -0,71 e 0,80, respectivamente). A FI de M. phaseolina correlacionou-se com o teor de fósforo (r = 0,68), a FI de R. solani com o grau de floculação (r = 0,67), capacidade de campo (r = -0,81), pH (r = -0,75), teor de alumínio (r = 0,85) e acidez total (r = 0,69), enquanto a FI de S. rolfsii correlacionou-se com o ponto de murcha permanente (r = -0,78) e a água disponível no solo (r = 0,75). As curvas de progresso da SD, CP, A1FD, A2FD e AFA, em função das densidades de inóculo, foram ajustadas pelo modelo não-linear logístico dose-resposta. Baixas densidades de inóculo (0,1; 0,5 e 1 ufc/g de solo) produziram elevados níveis deSD, que variaram de 15,6 a 53,1%. Densidades entre 20 e 50 ufc/g de solo não aumentaram substancialmente a SD. No ensaio com diferentes isolados de M. cannonballus, o conjunto das variáveis analisadas propiciou a separação de três grupos de similaridade, ficando evidente a variabilidade dos isolados dentro de uma mesma área e entre áreas. Elevados coeficientes de correlação e determinação confirmaram o ajuste da SD com A1FD, A2FD e AFA nos dois ensaios, demonstrando o potencial de utilização destas variáveis para quantificar o colapso do meloeiro.

Thesis (MScAgric)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Soilborne diseases of grapevines represent a complex problem with limited information available, both locally and internationally. Previous research in South Africa indicated that Phytophthora and Pythium spp. were the most widespread and devastating pathogens in grapevine nurseries and vineyards in the Western Cape province. The local grapevine industry is currently expanding; new cultivars, methods and agricultural chemicals are being used which can affect soilborne pathogens. It has therefore become necessary to reassess the status of soilborne pathogens in nurseries, since information in this regard is crucial for the development of disease management practices for the expanding local grapevine industry. Soilborne fungal genera associated with roots and crowns of declining nursery grapevines were assessed in surveys conducted at three different grapevine nurseries in the Western Cape province. Cylindrocarpon, Fusarium, Pythium, and Rhizoctonia spp. were consistently isolated from roots and crowns of declining nursery grapevines. Cylindrocladiella spp. and Phytophthora cinnamomi were infrequently isolated from diseased roots, crowns and soil whereas Pythium spp. were abundant in most of the soils. Results suggest that the status of soilborne fungal pathogens in grapevine nurseries in the Western Cape province has changed over the last 30 years. The DNA phylogeny and pathogenicity of the isolates of Cylindrocladiella were determined. Four species of Cylindrocladiella occur on grapevines in South Africa, namely C. lageniformis, C. parva, C. peruviana, as well as a new species, described in this study as C. viticola, which forms part of the C. infestans species complex. Pathogenicity trials were inconclusive. Ten Fusarium spp. were isolated from roots and crowns of declining nursery grapevines, namely F. acuminatum, F. anthophilum, F. chlamydosporum, F. equiseti, F. nygamai, F. oxysporum, F. proliferatum, F. scirpi, F. semitectum and F. solani. The dominant species was F. oxysporum, followed by F. proliferatum and F. solani. In pathogenicity trials F. oxysporum and F. solani significantly reduced root volume, root dry mass, length of new shoots, stem diameter and number of leaves, but increased the percentage of chlorotic leaves and root rot severity. Fusarium proliferatum also caused a significant reduction in new shoot growth, number of leaves and increased root rot severity compared to the controls. Fusarium so/ani seems to be more virulent than F. oxysporum, followed by F. pro/iferatum. This is the first report of F. oxysporum, F. pro/iferatum and F. so/ani as pathogens of grapevines in South Africa, and the first report of F. proliferatum as a pathogen of grapevines in the world. Phytophthora cinnamomi was isolated at low frequencies from declined grapevines, although present in the rhizosphere soil. It is possible that the extensive use of downy mildew chemicals in grapevine nurseries may protect grapevines from infection by P. cinnamomi. The effect of chemicals used to combat downy mildew on Phytophthora root rot of nursery grapevines was evaluated in a glasshouse. There was very little discernable effect of the chemicals tested relative to the control plants for the parameters measured and it was concluded that the inoculation technique needed refinement. However, plants treated with phosphorous acid tended to be taller and have more leaves, greater stem diameter and root volume than controls or plants treated with the other chemicals. The data obtained in this study are not conclusive, but indicated certain trends that more glasshouse trials and field trials would resolve. Results presented in this thesis indicate that a major shift has occurred in the status of soilborne fungi associated with roots and crowns of grapevines in nurseries in the Western Cape since the 1970s when Phytophthora and Pythium were predominant. The prevalence and role of soilborne fungi need to be determined so that new appropriate disease management strategies can be developed to limit losses in grapevine nurseries and ensure the sustainable production of healthy plants for the grapevine industry.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: 'N ONDERSOEK NA GRONDGEDRAAGDE SWAMME GEASSOSIEER MET WORTELS EN KRONE VAN WINGERD IN KWEKERYE Grondgedraagde siektes van wingerd is 'n komplekse probleem waaroor min inligting, beide plaaslik en internasionaal, beskikbaar is. Vorige navorsing in Suid-Afrika het aangedui dat swamme van die genera Phytophthora en Pythium die mees algemene en vernietigende grondgedraagde patogene in kwekerye en wingerde in die Wes-Kaap provinsie is. Die plaaslike wingerdbedryf brei huidiglik uit; nuwe kultivars, metodes en landbouchemikalieë word gebruik wat 'n invloed kan hê op grondgedraagde patogene. Gevolglik het dit noodsaaklik geword om die status van grondgedraagde patogene in wingerdkwekerye weer te bepaal, aangesien inligting in hierdie verband noodsaaklik is vir die ontwikkeling van siekte bestuurspraktyke vir die ontwikkelende plaaslike wingerdbedryf. Grondgedraagde swamgenera geassosieer met wortels en krone van terugsterwende wingerd in kwekerye is bepaal in opnames wat by drie verskillende wingerdkwekerye in die Wes-Kaap provinsie uitgevoer is. Cylindrocarpon, Fusarium, Pythium, en Rhizoctonia spp. is konstant vanuit wortels en krone van terugsterwende wingerdplante in kwekery geïsoleer, Cylindrocladiella spp. en Phytophthora cinnamomi is ongereeld vanuit siek wortels, krone en grond geïsoleer, terwyl Pythium spp. algemeen in meeste gronde voorgekom het. Resultate dui daarop dat die status van grondgedraagde swampatogene in wingerdkwekerye in die Wes- Kaap provinsie oor die laaste 30 jaar verander het. Die DNA filogenie en patogenisiteit van die isolate van Cylindrocladiella is bepaal. Vier spesies van Cylindrocladiella kom voor op wingerd in Suid-Afrika, naamlik C. lageniformis, C. parva, C. peruviana, sowel as 'n nuwe spesie, wat in hierdie studie as C. viticola aangedui is en wat deel is van die C. infestans spesie kompleks. Patogenisiteits proewe was onvoldoende om die patogeniese status van die swam me te bepaal. Tien Fusarium spp. is vanuit wortels en krone van terugsterwende wingerdplante in kwekery geïsoleer, naamlik F. acuminatum, F. anthophilum, F. chlamydosporum, F. equiseti, F. nygamai, F. oxysporum, F. proliferatum, F. scirpi, F. semitectum en F. solani. Die dominante spesies was F. oxysporum, gevolg deur F. proliferatum en F. solani. In pathogenisteitsproewe het F. oxysporum en F. solani gelei tot 'n betekenisvolle laer wortelvolume, droë massa van wortels, lengte en droë massa van nuwe groei en aantal blare, maar het die persentasie chlorotiese blare en graad van wortelvrot verhoog. Fusarium proliferatum het ook gelei tot 'n betekenisvolle afname in lengte en massa van nuwe groei, aantal blare en 'n verhoogde graad van wortelvrot in vergelyking met die kontrole behandelings. Dit wil voorkom asof Fusarium solani meer virulent is as F. oxysporum, gevolg deur F. proliferatum. Hierdie is die eerste aanmelding van F. oxysporum, F. proliferatum en F. solani as patogene van wingerd in Suid-Afrika, en die eerste aanmelding van F. proliferatum as 'n patogeen van wingerd in die wêreld. Phytophthora cinnamomi is konstant teen lae frekwensies vanuit terugsterwende wingerd in kwekerye geïsoleer, alhoewel dit in risosfeer gronde teenwoordig was. Dit is moontlik dat die ekstensiewe gebruik van chemikalieë teen donsskimmel in wingerdkwekerye die wingerdplante kan beskerm teen infeksie deur P. cinnamomi. Die effek van chemikalieë wat gebruik word teen donsskimmel op Phytophthora wortelverrotting van wingerd in kwekerye, is 'n glashuis geëvalueer. Die chemikalieë wat gestoets is, het vir die gemete parameters, tot baie min onderskeibare effek gelei relatief tot die kontrole plante, en daar is afgelei dat die inokulasie tegniek verbetering benodig. Plante wat met fosforiensuur behandel is, het egter geneig om langer te wees met meer blare, 'n groter stamdeursnee en wortelvolume as kontrole plante of plante behandel met ander chemikalieë. Data verkry vanuit die hierdie studie was onvoldoende, maar sekere neigings is aangedui wat deur verdere glashuis- en veldproewe verklaar sal word. Resultate wat in hierdie tesis weergegee is, het aangedui dat 'n algehele verskuiwing in die status van grondgedraagde swamme geassosieer met wortels en krone van wingerd in kwekerye vanaf die 1970s, toe Phytophthora en Pythium die dominante genera was, plaasgevind het. Die voorkoms en rol van grondgedraagde swamme moet bepaal word, sodat nuwe voldoende siektebestuurspraktyke ontwikkel kan word om verliese in wingerdkwekerye te beperk en sodoende die volhoubare produksie van gesonde plante vir die wingerdbedryf te verseker.

Dans la forêt de pin maritime (Pinus pinaster) des Landes de Gascogne (sud-ouest de France), la mortalité des pins causée par le champignon pourridié Armillaria ostoyae (Basidiomycète) a augmenté au cours des 30 dernières années. Les premiers cas de cette maladie ont été signalés quelques années après un changement majeur dans l'utilisation des terres, qui a eu lieu dans cette région suite au remplacement des landes et marais d'origine par une forêt plantée et gérée da façon intensive. Notre objectif était de comprendre les facteurs à l'origine de cette maladie émergente. Pour cela, nous avons étudié la distribution spatiale des dommages causés par le pathogène en relation avec des facteurs historiques, estimé la variabilité des traits fongiques liés au parasitisme et saprophytisme, et étudié l'histoire démographique d'A. ostoyae. La répartition actuelle de la mortalité induite par A. ostoyae est apparue dépendre de la présence des forêts préexistantes, ce qui suggère qu'A. ostoyae était fréquent dans ces zones forestières anciennes, qui ont agi comme un réservoir pour la colonisation des forêts plantées récentes. La production de rhizomorphes était significativement corrélée avec la virulence, suggérant que ce trait joue un rôle important dans le stade parasitaire d'A. ostoyae. Aucune relation significative entre le parasitisme et saprophytisme n'a été détectée, suggérant une absence de compromis évolutif entre ces traits. Enfin, le meilleur scénario démographique pour expliquer la structure de la population d'A. ostoyae dans la forêt des Landes est un scénario en deux étapes : il y aurait eu d'abord une diminution puis une expansion de la population fongique, qui semblait suivre la dynamique de la population d'hôtes. Le temps de génération d’A. ostoyae a été estimé entre 10 et 20 ans
In the maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) forest of the Landes de Gascogne (south-western France), pine mortality due to the root rot fungus Armillaria ostoyae (Basidiomycete) has been increasing over the last 30 years. The first cases of this disease were reported a few years after a major change in land use which occurred in this region following the replacement of original moors by an intensively managed planted forest. Our aim was to understand the factors driving this disease emergence. For this, we investigated the spatial distribution of pathogen damage related to historical factors, estimated the variation in fungal traits related to parasitism and saprophytism and investigated the demographic history of A. ostoyae. The current distribution of A. ostoyae mortality appeared depending on the pre-existing forests, suggesting that A. ostoyae was commonly distributed in pre-existing forest areas which acted as a reservoir for the colonization of recent planted forests. The rhizomorphs production was significantly correlated with virulence, suggesting that this trait plays an important role in the parasitic stage of A. ostoyae, but no significant relationship between parasitism and saprophytism components was detected, which may suggest that there is no trade-off between these traits. Finally, the best demographic scenario to explain A. ostoyae population structure in the Landes forest is a two step scenario: there was first a decrease and then an expansion in the fungal population, which appeared to follow the dynamics of the host population. The generation time of A. ostoyae was estimated between 10 and 20 years

Apesar da espécie Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. ser bastante rústica e estar adaptada às condições adversas de clima e solo brasileiros, seu rendimento é muito baixo. Diversas causas têm sido levantadas para explicar esse comportamento; entre elas destacam-se as doenças fúngicas, sobretudo aquelas cujos patógenos são transmitidos por sementes, em especial a podridão cinzenta do caule, causada por Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. A abordagem analítica desse patossistema revelou alguns problemas emergentes. Entre eles, destacam-se: a) desconhecimento da qualidade sanitária das sementes de caupi, utilizadas para semeadura; b) desunifomidade na metodologia usada para detectar os patógenos presentes nas semente; c) dificuldade na esporulação do patógeno, máxime de alguns isolados reticentes em esporular em meios artificiais de cultivo, cujo comportamento dificulta os trabalhos de seleção de genótipos resistentes; d) carência de medidas de controle do patógeno, que empreguem práticas naturais, como uso de sementes sadias, de indutores de resistência e de cultivares resistentes, de fácil uso e passível de adoção por parte dos produtores. Na estruturação da matriz lógica do presente estudo, referidos problemas foram transformados em objetivos. Os trabalhos foram conduzidos no Departamento de Entomologia, Fitopatologia e Zoologia Agrícola da ESALQ/USP, em Piracicaba-SP. Os resultados indicaram o teste de sanidade de sementes de caupi empregando o método do papel de filtro com restrição hídrica utilizando NaCl a –0,8Mpa, como o mais adequado para detecção dos fungos presentes nas sementes de caupi, especialmente M. phaseolina. A análise sanitária das amostras de sementes originadas de vários estados brasileiros revelou que, em 62% das amostras analisadas, o fungo M. phaseolina estava presente, sendo as amostras originadas do estado da Paraíba, Piauí, Pará e Bahia as que apresentaram maiores níveis de incidência do patógeno. Os melhores níveis de esporulação do patógeno foram conseguidos com a combinação de sobreposição de discos de folhas de trigo ao meio BDA, com temperatura de 25oC. Quanto à identificação de indutores de resistência, capazes de controlar M. phaseolina, os resultados revelaram que o acibenzolar-S-metil (ASM) foi o mais eficiente, quando comparado com quitosana e com um produto silicatado derivado de rocha micronizada (PSiM), apresentando um controle residual por mais de 40 dias após a semeadura. A maior eficiência verificada pelo ASM ocorreu devido a sua capacidade de ativar mecanismos bioquímicos de defesa, configurando-se em efetivo ativador da resistência induzida nas plantas de caupi, por atuar na cinética de importantes enzimas relacionadas à defesa, como a fenilalanina amônia-liase, peroxidase e quitinase. Quanto à reação de cultivares de caupi à doença, foi possível verificar razoável nível de resistência de algumas cultivares, tendo sido consideradas resistentes Mulato, Guariba e Maratauã.
Notwithstanding the specie Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp is sufficiently rustic and adapted to the adverse conditions of the Brazilian soil and climate, its improvement is very low. Many causes have been raised in order to explain such behavior; among them the fungal diseases stand out, over all those whose pathogens are transmitted by the seeds especially the charcoal rot disease caused by Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid. The analytical approach of such pathosystem has revealed some emerging problems. Among them, it stands out: a) the ignorance of the sanitary quality of the cowpea seeds used for sowing; b) the non-uniformity in the used methodology in order to detect the pathogens, which are present in the seed; c) the difficult in pathogen sporulation, principally of some isolated reticent in forming spores in cultivation artificial environments whose behavior hampers the selection works of the resistant genotypes; d) lack of pathogen control measures, which utilize natural practices, such as the use of healthy seeds, resistance inducers and resistant cultivars of easy utilization and liable to adoption by the producers. In structuring the logical matrix of this study, such problems were transformed into objectives. The works were conducted at the Entomology, Phytopathology and Agricultural Zoology Departments of ESALQ/USP, in Piracicaba-SP. The results have pointed out the sanity test of the cowpea seeds through the method of filter paper with hydric restriction using NaCI – 0,8Mpa, as the most suitable for detecting the current fungus in cowpea seeds, especially M. phaseolina. The sanitary analysis of the seeds samples originated from several Brazilian states has revealed that in 63% of the analyzed samples, the fungus M. phaseolina was present, and the samples originated from the states of Paraíba, Piauí, Pará and Bahia were those that have presented higher incident levels of pathogen. The best levels of sporulation were obtained with the combination of the superposition of wheat leaves disks in the middle of BDA in 25ºC. As to the identification of the resistance inducers, capable of controlling the M. phaseolina, the results have revealed that the acinbezolar-S-methyl (ASM) was more efficient when compared to chitosan and with a silicate product originated from micronized rock (PsiM), presenting a residual control for more than 40 days after the sowing. The greatest efficiency ascertained by ASM has occurred due to its capacity of activate the defense biochemistries mechanisms, forming itself in an activator effect of the induced resistance in cowpea plants because it acts in the kinetic of important enzymes related to the defense, such as the phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, peroxidase and chitinase. As to the cowpea cultivars reaction to the disease, it was possible to ascertain a reasonable resistance level of some cultivars, and BR 14 Mulato, Guariba e Maratauã were considered as resistant.

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is a pathogenic fungus that infects around 400 species of host    plants. Stem rot disease caused by this fungus is economically disastrous for Brassica napus cultivators in Sweden. Due to the lack of disease resistant cultivars, disease management has been solely dependent on fungicide application. The current disease  prediction models are not scientifically accurate and take into account factors such as   weather, previous disease incidence, and conomic effects which often result in unnecessary and excessive use of fungicides by cultivators. Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction has proven to be the fastest, most accurate and reliable technique for detecting plant pathogens as it gives an idea about disease severity by measuring pathogen concentration in environmental samples. Reproducible and able qPCR assays have the potential of being the main principle on which more scientifically accurate plant disease prediction and management models an be developed. The aim of this study was to validate a previously established qPCR assay to detect S. sclerotiorum. An absolute quantification experiment     was performed by using plasmid DNA cloned with a target gene as template. Further,   three different qPCR machines  were compared  to make a plausible conclusion regarding    their sensitivity and efficiency in detecting minuscule amounts of DNA from the   environment. While a solid conclusion could not be reached regarding the sensitivity of    each of these machines, this study pointed out some basic trends about each machine    that may help researchers in selecting the most efficient qPCR system when working with detection of plant pathogens.

Certain crop plants are susceptible to pathogens or unable to develop efficient microbial symbioses. These crops adversely impact soil biological quality with consequences on plant health and productivity of cropping systems. Chickpea is a rotational pulse crop with two types: kabuli and desi, and several cultivars. Cultivation of chickpea has inconsistent effects on soil microbial communities and subsequent wheat crops. I conducted field studies and used high throughput molecular analyses to explore the variations among chickpeas to identify cultivars developing fungal communities that are conducive to plant health and productivity. I also carried out greenhouse studies and used biochemical analyses to investigate the response of chickpea cultivars to arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and non-AM fungal endophytes and identify the influence of root and root metabolites on the endophytic and pathogenic fungi. Cultivars and types of chickpeas and environmental conditions promoted different fungal communities in the root endosphere. Funneliformis and Claroideoglomus were the dominant AM fungal genera and Fusarium and Alternaria were the dominant non-AM fungal genera in the roots of chickpea. The roots of cultivars CDC Corrine, CDC Cory and CDC Anna hosted the most diverse fungal communities in contrast to CDC Alma and CDC Xena roots which hosted the least diverse communities. Plant response to AM and non-AM fungal endophytes varied with genotype and type of chickpea. The root symbiosis effectively promoted plant growth in CDC Cory, CDC Anna and CDC Frontier and stimulated nitrogen fixation in CDC Corrine. Cultivars of chickpea responded differently to dual inoculation of the AM and non-AM fungal endophytes. Co-inoculation with AM and non-AM fungal endophytes had additive effects on CDC Corrine, CDC Anna and CDC Cory but non-AM fungal endophytes reduced the positive effect of AM fungi in Amit and CDC Vanguard. Desi chickpea appeared to form more efficient symbioses with soil fungal resources than kabuli chickpea. Protein(s) up-regulated in the mycorrhizal roots of the desi chickpea CDC Anna suppressed the growth of the fungal endophytes Trichoderma harzianum and Geomyces vinaceus and of the pathogens Fusarium oxysporum and Rhizoctonia sp. The formation of AM symbiosis decreased the production of root bioactive metabolites soluble in 25% methanol. Some of the root metabolites stimulated the growth of Trichoderma harzianum and Geomyces vinaceus, and a few inhibited Rhizoctonia sp. and Fusarium oxysporum. A few metabolites with contrasting effects on the different fungal species were detected. The non-protein phytochemicals had selective effects on the endophytes and pathogens whereas the antifungal proteins of mycorrhizal roots were non-selective. Overall the study reveals a "genotype effect" of chickpea on the soil microbiota suggesting the possibility to improve the performance of this crop through the selection of genotypes improving the communities of root associated fungi, by associating and responding to beneficial fungi and repressing the pathogens.

Differences in pea (Pisum sativum L.) and chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) microbial compatibility and/ or their associated farming practices may influence root fungi of the following crop and affect the yield. The main objective of this research was to explain the difference in durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L.) yield the year after pea and chickpea crops through changes in the functional diversity of wheat root fungi. The effect of fungicides used on chickpea on the root fungi of a following durum wheat crop was studied using plate culture and pyrosequencing. Pyrosequencing detected more Fusarium spp. in the roots of durum wheat after fungicide-treated chickpea than in non-fungicide treated chickpea. Plate culture revealed that the functional groups of fungi responded differently to fungicide use in the field but the effect on total community was non-significant. Highly virulent pathogens were not affected, but antagonists were suppressed. More fungal antagonists were detected after the chickpea CDC Luna than CDC Vanguard. Fungal species responded differently to the use of fungicides in vitro, but the aggregate inhibition effect on antagonists and highly virulent pathogens was similar. The effect of chickpea vs. pea previous crop and different chickpea termination times on root fungi of a following durum wheat crop was studied. The abundance of Fusarium spp. increased after cultivation of both cultivars of chickpea as compared to pea according to pyrosequencing and was negatively correlated with durum yield. Plate culture analysis revealed that fungal antagonists were more prevalent after pea than both cultivars of chickpea and chickpea CDC Vanguard increased the abundance of highly virulent pathogens. The abundance of highly virulent pathogens in durum wheat roots was negatively correlated to durum yield. Early termination of chickpea did not change the community of culturable fungi in the roots of a following durum crop. It is noteworthy that Fusarium redolens was identified for the first time in Saskatchewan and its pathogenicity was confirmed on durum wheat, pea and chickpea. The classical method of root disease diagnostics in cereals is based on the examination of the subcrown internode. I evaluated the method by comparing the fungal communities associated with different subterranean organs of durum wheat. The fungal community of the subcrown internode was different from that of roots and crown, suggesting cautious use of this method.

Bibliography: leaves 169-185
viii, 185 leaves, [1] leaf of plates : ill. (some col.) ; 30 cm.
Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library.
Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Plant Pathology, 1987