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Moments of weaknesses - exploiting vulnerabilities between germination and encystment in the Phytomyxea
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-21, 00:32 authored by Amponsah, J, Robert TeggRobert Tegg, Thangavel, T, Calum WilsonCalum WilsonAttempts at management of diseases caused by protozoan plant parasitic Phytomyxea have often been ineffective. The dormant life stage is characterised by long-lived highly robust resting spores that are largely impervious to chemical treatment and environmental stress. This review explores some life stage weaknesses and highlights possible control measures associated with resting spore germination and zoospore taxis. With phytomyxid pathogens of agricultural importance, zoospore release from resting spores is stimulated by plant root exudates. On germination, the zoospores are attracted to host roots by chemoattractant components of root exudates. Both the relatively metabolically inactive resting spore and motile zoospore need to sense the chemical environment to determine the suitability of these germination stimulants or attractants respectively, before they can initiate an appropriate response. Blocking such sensing could inhibit resting spore germination or zoospore taxis. Conversely, the short life span and the vulnerability of zoospores to the environment require them to infect their host within a few hours after release. Identifying a mechanism or conditions that could synchronise resting spore germination in the absence of host plants could lead to diminished pathogen populations in the field.
Funding
Australian Research Council
History
Publication title
Biological ReviewsVolume
96Issue
4Pagination
1603-1615ISSN
1464-7931Department/School
Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA)Publisher
Cambridge Univ PressPlace of publication
40 West 20Th St, New York, USA, Ny, 10011-4211Rights statement
Copyright 2021 Cambridge Philosophical SocietyRepository Status
- Restricted