Inhibition of sugarcane rooting by Ceratocystis paradoxa

Abstract

Sugarcane rooting was inhibited by Ceratocystis paradoxa on both pathogen-invaded setts and disease-free setts suspended above cultures of the fungus. Root inhibition was not correlated with differences in clonal susceptibility. Volatiles from cultures of the pathogen caused root inhibition and a concomitant rise in host-tissue production of ethylene. Apparently the host tissue is stimulated to produce ethylene both directly by tissue invasion and indirectly by fungal volatiles. The ethylene produced is then in part responsible for the observed root inhibition.