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Photosynthetic responses of Eucalyptus nitens at initial stages of root-rot infection

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 14:12 authored by Agustini, L, Beadle, C, Kara BarryKara Barry, Caroline MohammedCaroline Mohammed
Root-rots are known to be latent diseases that may be present in plants for an extended period without any noticeable expression of symptoms above ground. Photosynthetic responses of Eucalyptus nitens saplings artificially inoculated with the root-rot pathogen, Armillaria luteobubalina were examined to characterize the initial stages of root-rot infection. This study measured three photosynthetic parameters, i.e. photosystem II yield (Fv/Fm), chlorophyll content and photosynthetic capacity (Amax) for two strains of A. luteobubalina over a seven-month period. Root systems were either wounded or left intact before inoculation. A significant difference was observed in the Fv/Fm ratio between the uninoculated control and inoculated saplings. Photosystem II yield was considered the most sensitive parameter for the early detection of root-rot disease. Chlorophyll content and Amax decreased for all trees, including controls, during the period of the experiment, and most likely reflected host responses to seasonal change rather than treatment effects. Fungal re-isolations from symptomatic roots of inoculated trees confirmed the presence of A. luteobubalina. Findings from this preliminary trial indicated that there were detectable physiological changes associated with early infection of root-rot. However, to detect more widespread physiological changes an experiment of longer duration is needed.

Funding

Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research

History

Publication title

Indonesian Journal of Forestry Research

Pagination

9-20

ISSN

2355-7079

Department/School

Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA)

Publisher

Forestry Research, Development and Innovation Agency

Place of publication

Indonesia

Rights statement

Copyright 2015 Indonesian Journal of Forestry Research

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Hardwood plantations

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