Response of Italian elite subterranean clover genotypes to Fusarium avenaceum and Fusarium oxysporum under artificial conditions

2002 ◽  
Vol 42 (5) ◽  
pp. 557 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Piano ◽  
L. Riccioni ◽  
L. Pecetti ◽  
A. M. Carroni ◽  
A. Porta-Puglia

Breeding programs of subterranean clover in southern Europe have traditionally set low priority on selection against major pathogens, in part because there have been no major disease outbreaks in this region. However, root-rot causing fungi, such as Fusarium spp., occur frequently on other crops and can therefore also represent a threat to clover. Thus, the breeding program carried out in Sardinia, Italy, took note of this disease. This study reports the results of 2 trials carried out in 2 consecutive years following artificial infestation with Fusarium spp. The first trial included 45 genotypes, of which 37 were Sardinian lines under advanced breeding and 8 were commercial varieties. To validate the variation observed in disease response, a subset of 27 genotypes was further evaluated in the second trial. In both trials, 3 pathogen treatments were applied, in addition to a control, uninoculated treatment - F. avenaceum, F. oxysporum, and an equal mixture of both fungi. One-month-old clover seedlings were scored in all treatments for shoot-growth vigour (1-9 scale), then excavated for scoring root-rot symptoms (1-5�scale), and finally weighed after oven drying. Analysis of variance tested differences among treatments, among genotypes, and between subsp. subterraneum and brachycalycinum of Trifolium subterraneum. On the common set of genotypes to both trials, a cluster analysis was applied using, as original variables, the average disease score across the 3 inoculated treatments in the 2 trials. Confirming previous evidence, F. avenaceum proved more pathogenic than F. oxysporum. The results suggested that high seedling vigour may play a role in limiting root-rot effects, and this may also contribute to the relatively better tolerance of subsp. brachycalycinum over subsp. subterraneum observed. Despite some inconsistency of response in the 2 trials both at the treatment and genotype level, some Sardinian genotypes demonstrated a consistent level of tolerance especially in relation to the performance of the commercial varieties tested. Among them were the lines `125 brachy C', `56 sub D', `22 brachy G', `56 sub B' (=Campeda), and `19 brachy E' (=Antas).


1980 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 297 ◽  
Author(s):  
AW Kellock ◽  
LL Stubbs ◽  
DG Parbery

Fusarium avenaceurn (Corda ex Fr.) Sacc. was shown for the first time to be carried in the hilum of subterranean clover (Trifolium Subterraneum L.) seed. Scanning electron microscopy and thin-section techniques showed that the fungus occurred only as dormant mycelium in parenchyma cells of funicle scar tissue. It emerged from these tissues after a 12 h incubation at 24�C and in 48 h penetrated internal parts of the seed through the hilum fissure. After 21 days on moist blotting paper, seedlings grown from infected seed developed lesions on their roots similar to those of root-rot of subterranean clover in the field. Fusarium spp. were also detected in the hilum of seeds of white (T. repens L.) and strawberry (T. fragiferum L.) clover and barrel medic (M. truncatula L.). It was demonstrated experimentally that all parts of the burr, incl~tding the funicle, became infected with F. avenaceuni when subterranean clover plants grown from healthy seed in pasteurized soil buried their burrs in soil inoculated with the fungus. Use of optical brighteners failed to trace seed infection because the compounds, although absorbed by the pathogen in culture, were not translocated.



1999 ◽  
Vol 50 (8) ◽  
pp. 1469 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Simpfendorfer ◽  
T. J. Harden ◽  
G. M. Murray

The interaction between 29 isolates of Rhizobium and the in vitro growth of 3 strains of Phytophthora clandestina was investigated to determine the potential of these bacteria as biological control agents against root rot of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.). The biological control activity of Rhizobium on the severity of root disease in seedlings was also investigated under glasshouse conditions. Thirteen of the 29 Rhizobium isolates caused significant reductions in the hyphal growth of the 3 P. clandestina isolates examined. Inoculation of seedlings with Rhizobium trifolii reduced the severity of root disease by 14–58% with corresponding increases in dry matter production of 20–73%. These results indicate that Rhizobium species have potential as biological control agents against the root rot of T. subterraneum seedlings caused by P. clandestina.



1995 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 179 ◽  
Author(s):  
JH Leigh ◽  
DM Halsall ◽  
MD Holgate

In a series of five trials, three conducted in the field and two in seed-flats in the nursery, it was shown that mulched residues from Phalaris aquatica and Triticum aestivum reduced the germination and production of Trifolium subterraneum. The deleterious effects observed with the mulched residues were not evident when the residues were incorporated into the upper soil layer. It is suggested that a reduction of the residues in pastures before the opening rains in autumn would be an essential requirement to ensure good germination and early seedling vigour from the annual legume component in mixed legume/grass pastures, especially those based on P. aquatica.



2001 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 187 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Aldaoud ◽  
W. Guppy ◽  
L. Callinan ◽  
S. F. Flett ◽  
K. A. Wratten ◽  
...  

In 1995–96, a survey of soil samples from subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) paddocks was conducted across Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales and Western Australia, to determine the distribution and the prevalence of races of Phytophthora clandestina (as determined by the development of root rot on differential cultivars), and the association of its occurrence with paddock variables. In all states, there was a weak but significant association between P. clandestina detected in soil samples and subsequent root rot susceptibility of differential cultivars grown in these soil samples. Phytophthora clandestina was found in 38% of the sampled sites, with a significantly lower prevalence in South Australia (27%). There were significant positive associations between P. clandestina detection and increased soil salinity (Western Australia), early growth stages of subterranean clover (Victoria), mature subterranean clover (South Australia), recently sown subterranean clover (South Australia), paddocks with higher subterranean clover content (Victoria), where herbicides were not applied (South Australia), irrigation (New South Wales and Victoria), cattle grazing (South Australia and Victoria), early sampling dates (Victoria and New South Wales), sampling shortly after the autumn break or first irrigation (Victoria), shorter soil storage time (Victoria) and farmer’s perception of root rot being present (Victoria and New South Wales). Only 29% of P. clandestina isolates could be classified under the 5 known races. Some of the unknown races were virulent on cv. Seaton Park LF (most resistant) and others were avirulent on cv. Woogenellup (most susceptible). Race 1 was significantly less prevalent in South Australia than Victoria and race 0 was significantly less prevalent in New South Wales than in South Australia and Western Australia. This study revealed extremely wide variation in the virulence of P. clandestina. The potential importance of the results on programs to breed for resistance to root rot are discussed. in South Australia.



1994 ◽  
Vol 34 (8) ◽  
pp. 1125 ◽  
Author(s):  
SP Flett

Root rot caused by Phytophthora clandestina Taylor, Pascoe & Greenhalgh is a serious disease of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum), an important leguminous component of Australia's temperate pastures. Previous reports have shown that P. clandestina causes severe taproot rot in cv. Woogenellup, while cvv. Larisa and Trikkala remain highly resistant. In this study, 3 greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the effects of P. clandestina isolates collected between 1983 and 1990 on different subterranean clover cultivars. Woogenellup was consistently susceptible while Meteora was less affected by all isolates tested. Trikkala, a previously known root rot resistant cultivar, was as susceptible as Woogenellup when tested with a recently collected isolate from Katamatite, northern Victoria. This study provides the first evidence for variation in virulence between isolates of P. clandestina and for physiological specialisation in this species.



Plant Disease ◽  
2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ming Pei You ◽  
Phillip Nichols ◽  
Roseline Katusiime ◽  
Martin John BARBETTI

Glasshouse and field investigations were undertaken into the phenotypic expressions of resistance of a 97-member World Core Collection of subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum), collected from its native Mediterranean habitat and representing around 80% of the total genetic diversity within the known 10,000 accessions of the species, against the most important damping-off and root rot (Phytophthora clandestina, and Pythium irregulare) and foliar (Kabatiella caulivora, Uromyces trifolii-repentis and Erysiphe trifoliorum)pathogens. An additional 28 diverse cultivars were also included. Associations were also examined for these genotypes between 18 disease parameters and 17 morphological traits and between these disease parameters and 24 climatic and eco-geographic variables from their collection sites. Many genotypes showed strong phenotypic expression of novel host disease resistance(s) against one or more pathogens, enabling their potential deployment as disease resistant parents into subterranean clover breeding programs. These new sources of resistance enable future ‘pyramiding’ of different resistance genes to improve resistance against these pathogens. Of particular value were genotypes with multiple disease resistances across soilborne and/or foliar diseases, as many of these pathogens co-occur. All diseases had some parameters significantly correlated with one or more morphological traits and with one or more site of origin variables. In particular, there were significant negative correlations between damping-off (i.e., germination) and eight of the 17 morphological characters. The outcome of these studies provides crucial information to subterranean clover breeding programs, enabling them to simultaneously select genotypes with multiple resistances to co-occurring soilborne and foliar diseases, in addition to desirable traits, to offer renewed hope for re-establishing a more productive subterranean clover livestock feedbase despite multiple diseases prevailing widely.



Author(s):  
G. Hall

Abstract A description is provided for Phytophthora clandestina. Information is included on the disease caused by the organism, its transmission, geographical distribution, and hosts. HOSTS: Trifolium subterraneum. DISEASE: Root rot of subterranean clover; a facultatively necrotrophic plant pathogen. In field plants, black necrotic lesions develop 1-4 cm below the soil surface extending into the stele and causing orange-brown to brown tissue discoloration. Dry matter can be reduced by 71% (69, 5030). GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Australasia & Oceania; Australia (NSW, WA, Vic.) TRANSMISSION: Presumably by zoospores released in moist soil. Oospores may act as perennating structures.



2017 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin Foster ◽  
Ming Pei You ◽  
Brett Nietschke ◽  
Nick Edwards ◽  
Martin J. Barbetti

Subterranean clover (Trifolium subterraneum L.) is an important pasture legume in many regions of Australia, and elsewhere. A survey was undertaken in 2014 to define the levels of soilborne disease and associated pathogens in annual subterranean clover pastures across southern Australia. Most of the 202 samples processed had very severe levels of taproot rot disease (disease index 60–80%) and extremely severe lateral root rot disease (disease index 80–100%). A complex of soilborne root pathogens including Aphanomyces trifolii, Phytophthora clandestina, and one or more of Pythium, Rhizoctonia and Fusarium spp. was found responsible for severe pre- and post-emergence damping-off and root disease. This is the first study to highlight the high incidence of A. trifolii across southern Australian pastures and the first to highlight the existence of natural synergistic associations in the field between Rhizoctonia and Pythium spp., Pythium and Fusarium spp., Pythium spp. and A. trifolii, and P. clandestina and A. trifolii. Nodulation was generally poor, mainly only in the 20–40% nodulation index range. There was no relationship between rainfall zone and tap or lateral root disease level, with root disease equally severe in lower (330 mm) and higher (1000 mm) rainfall zones. This dispels the previous belief that severe root disease in subterranean clover is an issue only in higher rainfall zones. Although overall the relationship between tap and lateral root disease was relatively weak, these two root-disease components were strongly positively expressed within each pathogen’s presence grouping, providing explanation for variability in this relationship across different field situations where soilborne root disease is a major problem. Most producers underestimated the levels and effect of root disease in their pastures. This study established that tap and lateral root diseases are widespread and severe, having devastating impact on the feed gap during autumn–early winter across southern Australia. Severe root disease was independent of the highly variable complex of soilborne pathogens associated with diseased roots, geographic location and rainfall zone. It is evident that soilborne root diseases are the primary factor responsible for widespread decline in subterranean clover productivity of pastures across southern Australia. Implications for disease management and options for extension are discussed.



1990 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 669 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z Hochman ◽  
GJ Osborne ◽  
PA Taylor ◽  
B Cullis

In a field study on four sites, soil acidity, root rot (Phytophthora clandestina), and soil phosphorus were identified as causes of 'subterranean clover decline'. Liming increased herbage and seed production at four sites, with a tendency for lime to increase herbage yields in autumn (22%) and winter (15%) but not in spring. The presence of ryegrass with clover increased total herbage yields, and reduced clover seed production, but there was no interaction with liming. Losses caused by root rot associated with P. clandestina were quantified for the first time in New South Wales. Root rot reduced survival of seedlings as well as herbage production in autumn and/or winter at three of the four sites. In the presence of the disease, lime did not improve root health or seedling survival. On two sites with high aluminium saturation of exchangeable cations (> 17%) and high phosphorus sorption index values, subterranean clover growth responded to high levels of P fertilizer. On one site, where lime increased the soil pH to above 5.5, the P sorption index was temporarily increased, and this was associated with a temporary adverse effect on herbage yields. Some possible mechanisms underlying the seasonality of lime responses are proposed and the practical implications of our findings are discussed.



2005 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 271 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. P. You ◽  
M. J. Barbetti ◽  
P. G. H. Nichols

Eighty-four genotypes, comprising 71 ssp. subterraneum and ssp. yanninicum breeding lines of Trifolium subterraneum and 13 cultivars commonly used at the time of commencement of the experiment, were screened in the glasshouse for resistance to root rot caused by 2 races of Phytophthora clandestina that occur most widely in Australia. Resistance to race coded 001 was identified in 7 mid-season genotypes of ssp. subterraneum, including the new cultivar, Coolamon, and one genotype also showed resistance to race coded 373. Of the late flowering ssp. subterraneum genotypes tested, 13 showed resistance to race coded 001 and 4 of them also showed resistance to race coded 373. In the late flowering ssp. yanninicum group, 12 of 13 genotypes tested, including the new cultivar, Napier, showed resistance to both races. Of the mid-season ssp. yanninicum genotypes, all but 2 of 19 tested showed resistance to both races. The resistance observed in the majority of ssp. yanninicum and in some ssp. suberraneum genotypes, indicates that these are useful sources of resistance that can be exploited, either directly as new cultivars to minimise damage from this disease, or as parents in breeding programs to develop cultivars with improved resistance to P. clandestina. This study established the availability of 51 advanced lines and 11 cultivars as sources of resistance against P. clandestina race coded 001 and 36 lines and 4 cultivars for race coded 373, among which 36 lines and 4 cultivars were resistant against both races.



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