Epidemiological studies on wheat blast (Magnaporthe oryzae pathotype Triticum, MoT) with special reference to potential biocontrol
Doctoral thesis
Date of Examination:2023-08-17
Date of issue:2024-07-18
Advisor:Prof. Dr. Andreas von Tiedemann
Referee:Prof. Dr. Michael Rostás
Referee:Prof. Dr. Mark Varrelmann
Sponsor:German academic exchange service (DAAD)
Sponsor:Division of Plant Pathology and Crop Protection, Georg-August-University of Goettingen, Germany
Sponsor:University Library (SUB) of the Georg-August-University of Goettingen, Germany
Sponsor:Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh
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Abstract
English
Wheat blast (WB) is an economically important disease caused by Magnaporthe oryzae pathotype Triticum (MoT) pathogen. It may cause up to 100% yield loss, concerning global food security. The epidemiology of WB, seed transmission mechanisms of MoT, and its biocontrol are poorly understood. In order to study the epidemiology of WB, two contrasting wheat cultivars (susceptible Sumai 3 and resistant Milan) were used for greenhouse experiments. The localization of MoT in seeds was performed using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and the quantification of MoT biomass was done by quantitative PCR (qPCR). The seed infection rate in susceptible Sumai 3 was significantly higher than resistant Milan. Higher seed infection led to a decrease in seed germination of Sumai 3, however, not in Milan. Infected seeds from Sumai 3 produced more MoT conidia that were further transferred to the seedling leaves and stem at early growth or cell differentiation stages. So, the infected seedling leaves and stem may further act as a potential source of MoT conidia which may later spread horizontally to healthy ears or plants. After growth stage 21, no blast symptoms were observed in Sumai 3. Interestingly, no blast symptoms were recorded for Milan grown from MoT-infected seeds from seedlings to ear maturity stages. Therefore, it was concluded that MoT does not transmit systemically from seed to seed in either susceptible Sumai 3 or resistant Milan cultivars. In addition, to understand the basal resistant mechanism of wheat cultivars- phenolic and lignin compounds were quantified through a colorimetric method, and the pattern of rachis lignification was analyzed via light microscopy. Infection of MoT at any ear maturity stage in susceptible Sumai 3 may cause disease severity in wheat. Higher MoT was accumulated in the husk, followed by rachis and grain in both Sumai 3 and Milan. Higher phenolic and lignin compounds were recorded in Milan ear tissues (husks and rachis) along with the early accumulation of S-lignin and cell wall thickening in the rachis, which indicates the resistance mechanism in Milan to combat MoT. Accumulation of phenolic and lignin compounds in MoT-infected ear is a quantitative basal resistance mechanism of wheat that helps combat MoT. Utilization of this knowledge may help to develop MoT resistant wheat cultivars by using natural resistant sources. After that, Bacillus subtilis and B. velezensis were used as biocontrol agents to manage WB, and a moderately resistant wheat cultivar (BR-18) was used as plant material. In vitro and in vivo assays revealed that Bacillus volatiles significantly suppressed the growth of MoT and stopped or reduced the sporulation of MoT. Through GC-MS the potential Bacillus volatile compounds were identified. Phenylethyl alcohol, hexanoic acid, and 2-methyl butanoic acid were identified as potential Bacillus volatiles that could significantly suppress MoT growth and sporulation. So, the reduction of MoT sporulation by Bacillus volatiles may significantly play a role in reducing the further spread of WB by MoT spores. Lastly, a greenhouse experiment was conducted to know the optimum inoculation frequencies and timing of Bacillus spp. to control MoT. Single application of Bacillus spp. in wheat ears was found ineffective in reducing ear blast severity. Multiple applications of Bacillus spp. and application of Bacillus spp. at one hour after MoT inoculation was found effective in reducing ear blast severity. Therefore, it is recommended to promptly and repeatedly apply Bacillus spp. following the identification of MoT in ears to reduce the blast severity as well as for the successful management of WB.
Keywords: Wheat blast; Epidemiology; Seed transmission; Quantitative disease resistance; Bacterial volatile organic compound; Bacillus spp.; Biocontrol