The role of oxalic acid in the pathogenic behavior of Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc

Abstract

Glyoxylate dehydrogenase activity and the production of oxalic acid by the fungus Sclerotium rolfsii were inhibited by the addition of l -threonine (10−2 m ) or ammonium ion (2·10−1 m ) to the growth medium. The pathogenicity of the fungus tested on lima bean seedlings was reduced in the presence of inhibitors of oxalic acid production. It may be concluded that oxalic acid plays an essential role in the pathogenicity of S. rolfsii.