FACTORS GOVERNING ZOOSPORE RESPONSES OF PHYTOPHTHORA MEGASPERMA VAR. SOJAE TO PLANT ROOTS

Abstract

In the presence of plant roots, zoospores of Phytophthora megasperma var. sojae reacted in general as do other fungal zoospores: they were attracted to, and trapped in the immediate vicinity of the root surface, on which they encysted rapidly. Encysted zoospores formed a continuous sheath around the root, thickest just behind the root tip. Cyst germination was stimulated. Germ tubes were always initiated from the side of cysts closest to the root and grew towards it. In addition, a new feature was observed, suppression of repeated emergence of zoospores. Zoospore accumulation was nonspecific with respect to host and non-host, resistance, and susceptibility.Tests with exudates and extracts from roots of resistant and susceptible soybean varieties and a non-host, pea, confirmed the chemical nature of the stimulus inducing these responses. Zoospores observed in an electric field were not attracted towards either pole, but they were trapped and encysted rapidly around the negative pole. Cyst germination was not stimulated. Nevertheless, since encystment was more pronounced on root exudate agar mounted on the negative pole, electric charges on roots may also contribute to inducing early encystment of zoospores there.In an investigation of ions on zoospore responses, with ionic resins, all phases of zoospore response to roots, with the exception of attraction, occurred in the presence of hydrogen resin particles.