Abstract
Selenium (Se) has important benefits for crop growth and stress tolerance at low concentrations. However, there is very little information on antimicrobial effect of Se against the economically important fungus Botrytis cinerea. In the present study, using sodium selenite as Se source, we investigated the effect of Se salts on spore germination and mycelial growth of the fungal pathogen in vitro and gray mold control in harvested tomato fruit. Se treatment at 24 mg/L significantly inhibited spore germination of the fungal pathogen and effectively controlled gray mold in harvested tomato fruit. Se treatment at 24 mg/L seems to induce the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species in the fungal spores. The membrane integrity damage was observed with fluorescence microscopy following staining with propidium iodide after treatment of the spores with Se. These results suggest that Se has the potential for controlling gray mold rot of tomato fruits and might be useful in integrated control against gray mold disease of postharvest fruits and vegetables caused by B. cinerea. The mechanisms by which Se decreased gray mold decay of tomato fruit may be directly related to the severe damage to the conidia plasma membrane and loss of cytoplasmic materials from the hyphae.
Highlights
Mineral nutrients has important benefits for the growth and development of many organisms, and are essential factors in biotic plant interactions while influencing plant health (Ahn et al, 2005; Datnoff et al, 2007; Cabot et al, 2013; Crane et al, 2014)
After inoculation for 3 and 6 days, the lesion diameters were only 8 and 24 mm in the Setreatment group, while the control group reached 14 and 34 mm, respectively (Figures 5B,C). These results indicated that sodium selenite was effective for postharvest gray mold control in tomato fruit
Sodium selenite at a concentration of 24 mg Se/L was effective in controlling gray mold in tomato fruits caused by B. cinerea
Summary
Mineral nutrients has important benefits for the growth and development of many organisms, and are essential factors in biotic plant interactions while influencing plant health (Ahn et al, 2005; Datnoff et al, 2007; Cabot et al, 2013; Crane et al, 2014). The most recent information regarding the effect of nutrients on disease resistance and tolerance to pathogens has been reported by others (Boyd, 2007; Fones et al, 2010; Hörger et al, 2013). Specific micronutrients (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, and B) reportedly affect many plant diseases (Dordas, 2008; Yao et al, 2012; Fones and Preston, 2013). Control of Gray Mold Using Selenite CK (PDB) Selenite (mg/L). Spore germination (%) Germ tube length (μm).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
