Phosphite translocation in soybean and mechanisms of Phytophthora sojae inhibition

Abstract

Although phosphite (Phi)-based fertilizers are used in large quantities in agriculture, the use of Phi-based fungicides against soybean root rot caused by Phytophthora sojae are limited. While, their low toxicity are of high ecological and economic focus. Limited attention has been paid to Phi translocation efficiency in soybeans and the efficacy of Phi as a fungicide against P. sojae. In this study, we evaluated the efficiency of Phi translocation in the Williams soybean cultivar by determining the Phi concentrations in roots, stems, and leaves using high-performance ion chromatography after the application of Phi to the roots. Phi was translocated from roots to leaves within 1 h and its concentration increased significantly in leaves within 36 h after Phi application. Results of an in vitro growth inhibition assay and an in vivo infection assay showed that Phi inhibited P. sojae. Additionally, we examined the activation of the salicylic acid (SA) and ethylene (ET) defense pathways by Phi. The expression of SA and ET pathway–related genes was upregulated in most soybean tissues after Phi application. Our results provide evidence that Phi translocation suppresses root rot caused by P. sojae in soybean.