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The Plant Infection Test: Spray and Wound-Mediated Inoculation with the Plant Pathogen Magnaporthe Grisea
Published on: August 4, 2018
Germination and infectivity of microconidia in the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae
Huili Zhang1, Zhongshou Wu2, Chenfang Wang3
11] State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China [2] Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA [3].
Abstract:
The rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae is a model for studying fungal-plant interactions. Although it produces two types of spores (microconidia and macroconidia), previous infection studies have exclusively dealt with macroconidia. Germination of microconidia has not been reported, and their role in plant infection is not defined. Here we show that approximately 10% of microconidia germinate on plant surfaces, and that colonies derived from germinated microconidia are normal in growth and pathogenesis. In infection assays with rice and barley seedlings, microconidia fail to infect intact plants, but they can colonize and develop necrotic lesions on wounded leaves and stems. Microconidia also cause disease symptoms on inoculated spikelets in infection assays with barley and Brachypodium heads. Furthermore, microconidia are detected inside rice plants that developed blast lesions under laboratory or field conditions. Therefore, microconidia can germinate and are infectious, and may be an important factor in the rice blast cycle.
Insights
Microconidia, a spore type of the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, can germinate and infect plants, particularly on wounded tissues. This finding redefines the understanding of the rice blast disease cycle.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Mycology
- Fungal Genetics
Background:
- Magnaporthe oryzae is a model organism for fungal-plant interactions.
- The fungus produces two spore types: microconidia and macroconidia.
- Previous research focused solely on macroconidia, leaving the role of microconidia undefined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the germination and infectious potential of microconidia.
- To determine the role of microconidia in the rice blast disease cycle.
Main Methods:
- Infection assays on rice and barley seedlings and heads.
- Microscopic observation of microconidia germination on plant surfaces.
- Detection of microconidia within infected plant tissues.
Main Results:
- Approximately 10% of microconidia germinated on plant surfaces.
- Germinated microconidia formed normal colonies and exhibited pathogenic growth.
- Microconidia infected wounded leaves, stems, and spikelets but not intact plants.
- Microconidia were detected within rice plants exhibiting blast lesions.
Conclusions:
- Microconidia are capable of germination and possess infectious capabilities.
- Microconidia play a role in rice blast disease, particularly on wounded tissues.
- These findings suggest microconidia are an important factor in the overall Magnaporthe oryzae infection cycle.
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