Pathogenic ability estimation of the races 1 and 2 of the fungus Verticillium dahliae by using EGFP biomarker

• Published in: Phytopathologia mediterranea Vol. 48; no. 2; p. 313
• Main Authors: Antonopoulos, D F, Paplomatas, E I, Tjamos, E C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01-08-2009
• Subjects: Lycopersicon esculentum; Verticillium dahliae
• ISSN: 0031-9465

The virulence of races 1 and 2 of the soilborne fungus Verticillium dahliae transformed with the egfp gene (Vd sub(EGFP)) was studied on roots of the tomato varieties Ace 55VF (resistant to race 1, susceptible to race 2) and Planet 96FI (susceptible to both races). Tomato plants were inoculated into a greenhouse with conidia suspension of Vd sub(EGFP) and root samples were collected regularly for estimating the relative fluorescence via digital fluorometer of the extracted EGFP. The disease was started since 3 dpi (days post inoculation), max relative fluorescence value was observed on 5 dpi (Planet 96FI) or 7 dpi (Ace 55VF), whilst to the following dpi the relative fluorescence from tomato root samples of the macroscopically asymptomatic until 14 dpi plants was decreased. However, the relative fluorescence to the resistant variety Ace 55VF against race 1 remained to low levels. Similar results were also derived by the relative pathogenicity test. Using the innovative EGFP technique, wilt pathogen biomass was evaluated easy and fast into plant tissues.