Distinction Between Infectious and Noninfectious Corky Root of Lettuce in Relation to Nitrogen Fertilizer

Abstract

In growth chamber experiments with five concentrations of NH4NO3 and inoculation of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cv. Salinas with Rhizomonas suberifaciens, the causal agent of corky root (CR), symptoms of noninfectious corky root induced by high rates of N were distinct from those of infectious corky root (ICR). Nitrogen toxicity was observed at 350 kg·ha-1 and above, and was not affected by inoculation with R. suberifaciens. There was a curvilinear relationship between concentration of NH4NO3 applied and ICR severity with a maximum at 525 kg·ha-1. In a similar growth chamber experiment with NH4NO3 plus urea, ICR severity decreased and N toxicity increased at increasing N levels (N at 160 to 650 kg·ha-1). In microplots at Davis, Calif., sidedressing with NH4NO3 (N at 170 kg·ha-1) increased ICR severity on `Salinas' lettuce over the nonfertilized control. There was a significant interaction between N fertilization and soil-infestation with R. suberifaciens with respect to head fresh weight: sidedressing with NH4NO3 increased head weight in noninfested plots, but decreased head weight in infested plots. In four field experiments at Salinas, Calif., sidedressing with N at 78 to 213 kg·ha-1, with N as (NH4)1SO4, NH4NO3, urea, or Ca(NO3)2, increased ICR over the control, but there were no significant differences between the forms of N. Head fresh and dry weights were either increased or unaffected by sidedressing with N fertilizers, depending on the residual concentrations of N in the soil. The increase in ICR was likely related to concentrations of soil NO3 rather than NH4.