Developing the Pecan Scab Fungus on Susceptible and Resistant Host and Nonhost Leaves

Abstract

Germ tube, appressorium, and subcuticular hypha development were analyzed on host and nonhost leaves for Cladosporium caryigenum (Ell. et Lang. Gottwald), the fungus causing scab on pecan [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) C. Koch]. Plant features characterized for supporting fungal growth were genotype, adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces, and leaf maturity. Germ tubes and appressoria developed on all plant leaves, despite genotype, leaf surface, or maturity. Germ tube frequency on the susceptible host, `Wichita', was lower than on the resistant host, `Elliott', but was not significantly different from the nonhost, tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.). Appressoria formed with equal frequency on leaves of both pecan cultivars and tobacco. Adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces were not different within any given genotype for supporting fungal development. Immature leaves of `Elliott', but not of `Wichita', had a higher frequency of germ tubes and appressoria than mature leaves. Subcuticular hyphal development occurred only on immature leaves of susceptible `Wichita' pecan. Hence, subcuticular hyphal development is a prime candidate for being the fungal stage specific for host susceptibility. Resistance to C. caryigenum infection appears to be expressed at the plant site beneath the cuticle as fungal hyphae did not develop in a resistant pecan genotype or on nonhost leaves. Thus, resistance to the fungus causing pecan scab likely is expressed after both germ tube and appressorium development and operates beneath, not on the surface, of the leaf cuticle. Furthermore, technology developed to make these assessments would be adaptable in pecan breeding programs to screen for scab resistance.