Abstract
Five unsaturated fatty acids were tested for their ability to induce systemic resistance in potato plants (cv. Bintje) to the late blight fungus Phytophthora infestans . Arachidonic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid applied to leaves 1–3 of potato plants at a dose of about 1 mg per plant induced 94% to 97% protection in leaves 4 to 11, respectively. Linoleic acid, linolenic acid and oleic acid provided 82%, 39% and 42% protection, respectively. Protection was evident as a reduction in lesion number and lesion diameter. It was maximal in plants challenged 5 days after induction and lasted for at least 12 days. A prior infection of lower leaves with P. infestans also induced up to 88% protection in the upper leaves. The mechanism involved in the induction of systemic resistance of potato plants by fatty acids is not understood.
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