Cyanogenic potential of Trifolium repens L. in relation to pepper spot caused by Stemphylium sarciniforme

White clover (Trifolium repens L.) contains two cyanogenic β-glucosides (G), linamarin and lotaustralin. Upon injury to the tissues a β-glucosidase (E) effects the release of cyanide from the β-glucosides. Four selections of white clover differing in cyanogenic properties (G+E+, G+E−, G−E+, G−E−) were examined for differences in susceptibility to Stemphylium sarciniforme. Symptom development was determined at 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h after the leaves were inoculated. Symptoms for all four selections consisted initially of small brown flecks (1 mm in diameter), then dark spots (1–2 mm in diameter) with definite borders, and finally senescence and wilt of the interlesion tissue. Plants containing both β-glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21)and cyanogenic glucosides (G+E+) and those with only glucosides (G+E−) developed symptoms 24 h earlier than did the G−E+ and G−E− selections. The earliest symptoms were observed at 48 h; by 96 h all four selections showed comparable degrees of senescence and wilt. Pathogen development in infected leaves prepared as whole mounts was examined microscopically. Through 72 h after inoculation, development of S. sarciniforme in the G+E+ and G+E− selections was slower than in the G−E+ selections. By 96 h, however, fungal development in all four selections was comparable; commencement of leaf senescence coincided with extensive fungal colonization of necrotic tissue. Accelerated rates of symptom expression and retarded pathogen development apparently were positively correlated with cyanogenic potential of each white clover selection. Necrosis of suscept tissue was not correlated with cyanogenic potential of each selection.