Abstract
ABSTRACT Silicon (Si) amendments in the form of exogenously supplied nutrient solution or calcium silicate slag protect wheat plants from powdery mildew disease caused by the fungus Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici. The most striking difference between Si- and Si+ plants challenged with B. graminis f. sp. tritici was the extent of epidermal cell infection and colonization by B. graminis f. sp. tritici. Histological and ultrastructural analyses revealed that epidermal cells of Si+ plants reacted to B. graminis f. sp. tritici attack with specific defense reactions including papilla formation, production of callose, and release of electron-dense osmiophilic material identified by cytochemical labeling as glycosilated phenolics. Phenolic material not only accumulated along the cell wall but also was associated with altered integrity of haustoria in a manner similar to localized phytoalexins as reported from other pathosystems. These results strongly suggest that Si mediates active localized cell defenses against B. graminis f. sp. tritici attack.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
