Anomalies of the early stages of development of Erysiphe graminis tritici under oxidative stress

Abstract

Early stage interactions between the powdery mildew pathogen and a host plant are studied. Treatment of wheat leaves with various concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole resulted in the formation of morphological anomalies of germ tubes and nonviable colonies on host plant leaves. The observed effect of oxidative stress on germination anomalies of powdery mildew is similar to previously reported interactions between the pathogen and mildew resistant plants. We conclude that abnormal infectious structure formation of wheat powdery mildew may be associated with increased presence of reactive oxygen species during plant defense responses.