Cesar Bauer Gomes

Potencial da microbiolização de sementes de arroz com rizobactérias para o biocontrole do nematoide das galhas

The potential of eight rhizobacteria that effectively control fungal diseases in rice [DFs185 (Pseudomonas synxantha), DFs223 (P. fluorescens), DFs306 (not identified), DFs416, DFs418 e DFs419 (Bacillus sp.), DFs422 (Bacillus subtilis), DFs471 (Stenotrophomonas malthophilia)] was evaluated for the control of Meloidogyne graminicola in vitro and in irrigated rice in the greenhouse. The rhizobacteria DFs185, DFs223, DFs306, DFs416 and DFs419 exceeded in reducing hatching and in increasing the mortality of M. graminicola J2. All rhizobacteria were able to produce at least one compound associated with the biocontrol of nematodes (chitinasis, phosphatases, lipases, proteinasis and siderophores). The number of eggs and galls of M. graminicola in rice plants was reduced compared to plants from seeds not microbiolized. The nematode reproduction factor was reduced on average by 29%, highlighting rhizobacteria DFs185 and DFs223 that reduced 35%. This result is significant because the rhizobacteria also control fungal diseases.

Biocontrole da queima-das-bainhas e do nematoide-das-galhas e promoção de crescimento de plantas de arroz por rizobactérias

The objective of this work was to evaluate the compatibility between previously selected biocontroller rhizobacteria and the effect of their combination upon sheath blight (Rhizoctonia solani), root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne graminicola) and growth promotion in rice plants. The compatibility between these bacteria was determined by the overlay antibiosis. The effect of isolate combinations was evaluated by seed microbiolization of the rice cultivar El Paso L144 with rhizobacteria suspensions of DFs185 (Pseudomonas synxantha), DFs223 (P. fluorescens), DFs306 (unidentified), DFs416 and DFs418 (Bacillus sp.). These rhizobacteria were used alone or combined in arrangements of two, three and four isolates. The DFs223 isolate was not combined because it is incompatible with the other bacteria. Five rhizobacteria combinations (DFs185/418, DFs306/416, DFs306/418, DFs416/418, DFs185/306/418) and the isolate DFs306 stood out for reducing M. graminicola reproduction and promoting plant growth. Combination DFs185/306 presented the best results for the control of R. solani and for growth promotion. The DFs306/416 combination provided the best results for the control of the two diseases.

Survey and characterization of root-knot nematode species in kiwi in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil

Forty-four populations of Meloidogyne spp. obtained from a root-knot nematode survey on kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) orchards and nurseries in Rio Grande do Sul State were characterized biochemically using esterase isoenzyme (Est). Meloiodgyne arenaria Est A2 (Rm: 1.20, 1.28) was the most frequent species detected in this survey, occurring in 66.65% of the samples. Meloiodgyne ethiopica, with the phenotype E3 (Rm: 0.92, 1.10, 1.30) was detected in 16.66% of the samples in association with other Meloidogyne species. Other species found were M. javanica Est J3 (Rm: 1.00, 1.21, 1.35), M. hapla Est H1 (Rm: 1.17), M. incognita I1 (Rm: 1.03) and I2 (Rm: 1.03, 1.10) identified in 29.9%, 16.66%, 3.33% and 9.79% of the samples, respectively. Only one atypical population presenting the phenotype L3 (Rm: 1.00, 1.10, 1.30) occurred in one orchard (3.33%) but its identification was not possible even through the examination of the perineal patterns of females.

BRS Ana: cultivar de batata de duplo propósito

The genotype BRS Ana is a new potato cultivar adequate for French fries, with potential for processing into frozen French fries and flakes, released in 2007. It was developed by the Embrapa Potato Breeding Program (Embrapa Temperate Agriculture, Pelotas-RS; Embrapa Transference of Technology, Office of Canoinhas-SC; and Embrapa Vegetables, Brasilia-DF), based on tuber appearance and yield, specific gravity and French fries quality. Tubers are red-skinned, lightly rough, oval shaped with shallow eyes. The pulp is white. Cultivar BRS Ana has high yield potential. In the subtropical ecosystem, cultivar BRS Ana showed higher yield (31.2 t ha-1) than the most used cultivars in Brazil when grown in autumn, and did not differ from them in the spring. In the tropical ecosystem, under irrigation, BRS Ana did not differ from both control cultivars. It produced higher percentage of marketable tubers (55.6%) and average tuber weight (108.4 g) than the controls in the fall crop of subtropical ecosystem. In both ecosystems, cultivar BRS Ana presented high specific gravity (1.086) and dry matter content (19.7%). The sensorial analysis showed that cultivar BRS Ana is adequate for home made French fries as well as for industrial processing. It is moderately susceptible to late blight (Phytophthora infestans) and presents good resistance to early blight (Alternaria solani). The reaction to the tuber soft rot (Pectobacterium sp.) is similar to the most used cultivars. It has low seed degeneration conferred by moderate resistance to PVY and low incidence of PLRV. Susceptibility to tuber physiological disorders has not been observed. It seems that BRS Ana has lower fertilizer and water requirements than the most planted cultivars, meaning reduction of crop cost and risk. In the subtropical ecosystem, tuberization starts later in spring, therefore BRS Ana should be planted earlier in the season.

Bacterial selection for biological control of plant disease: criterion determination and validation

This study aimed to evaluate the biocontrol potential of bacteria isolated from different plant species and soils. The production of compounds related to phytopathogen biocontrol and/or promotion of plant growth in bacterial isolates was evaluated by measuring the production of antimicrobial compounds (ammonia and antibiosis) and hydrolytic enzymes (amylases, lipases, proteases, and chitinases) and phosphate solubilization. Of the 1219 bacterial isolates, 92% produced one or more of the eight compounds evaluated, but only 1% of the isolates produced all the compounds. Proteolytic activity was most frequently observed among the bacterial isolates. Among the compounds which often determine the success of biocontrol, 43% produced compounds which inhibit mycelial growth of Monilinia fructicola, but only 11% hydrolyzed chitin. Bacteria from different plant species (rhizosphere or phylloplane) exhibited differences in the ability to produce the compounds evaluated. Most bacterial isolates with biocontrol potential were isolated from rhizospheric soil. The most efficient bacteria (producing at least five compounds related to phytopathogen biocontrol and/or plant growth), 86 in total, were evaluated for their biocontrol potential by observing their ability to kill juvenile Mesocriconema xenoplax. Thus, we clearly observed that bacteria that produced more compounds related to phytopathogen biocontrol and/or plant growth had a higher efficacy for nematode biocontrol, which validated the selection strategy used.

Avaliação do potencial de coberturas verdes e de sitemas de rotações de cultura na supressão do nematoide anelado (Mesocriconema xenoplax) em pré-plantio ao pessegueiro

In a field naturally infested with ring nematode (Mesocriconema xenoplax), green covering were tested for their hostel in winter and summer crops comparing to plots kept in fallow lands. Tree crop rotation system with the same plant species (black oat/pig bean/ millet/forage radish; forage radish/ millet/white oat/corn; and white oat/mucuna deeringiana/wheat/sorghum) were evaluated for suppression potential to nematode M. xenoplax for two years, using as witness plots that were kept in fallow lands. The experiments were conducted in the field in a randomized block design with six repetitions. Before and after the establishment of each plot, the nematode populations were evaluated on the number of M. xenoplax/100cm3 of soil and the reproduction factor (RF= final population/initial population) of the ring nematode, where RF 1,00, favoring of the reproduction. Most of the crops analyzed were unfavorable host (RF<1,00) of M. xenoplax, except the mucuna deeringiana that behaved as favorable to the nematode reproduction. Although all treatments have removed M. xenoplax the crop rotations forage radish/ millet/white oat/corn and white oat/mucuna deeringiana/wheat/sorghum realized the largest reduction of the nematode in the soil (93-95%).It was noted a sharp decline in the M. xenoplax population in the first two crops, with later stabilization of its level, regardless of the studied system.

Genetic diversity of Meloidogyne spp. parasitising potato in Brazil and aggressiveness of M. javanica populations on susceptible cultivars

Root-knot nematodes ( Meloidogyne spp.) significantly impact potato production worldwide and in Brazil they are considered one of the most important group of nematodes affecting potatoes. The objectives of this study were to survey Meloidogyne spp. associated with potatoes in Brazil, determine their genetic diversity and assess the aggressiveness of M. javanica on two susceptible potato cultivars. Fifty-seven root-knot nematode populations were identified using esterase phenotyping, including Meloidogyne javanica , M. incognita , M. arenaria and M. ethiopica . Overall, root-knot nematodes were present in ca 43% of sampled sites, in which M. javanica was the most prevalent species, and the phenotypes Est J3, J2a and J2 occurred in 91.2, 6.7 and 2.1% of the positive samples, respectively. Other species, such as M. incognita , M. arenaria and M. ethiopica , were found less frequently and occurred at rates of 6.4, 4.3 and 2.1% of the samples, respectively. Sometimes, M. javanica was found in mixtures with other root-knot nematodes in ca 10.6% of sites containing Meloidogyne . After confirming the identification of 17 isolates of M. javanica and one isolate each of M. incognita , M. arenaria and M. ethiopica by SCAR markers, the populations were used to infer their genetic diversity using RAPD markers. Results revealed low intraspecifc genetic diversity among isolates (13.9%) for M. javanica . Similarly, M. javanica sub-populations (J2a) clustered together (81% of bootstrap), indicating subtle variation from typical J3 populations. The aggressiveness of four populations of M. javanica from different Brazilian states on two susceptible potato cultivars was tested under glasshouse conditions. Results indicated differences in aggressiveness among these populations and showed that potato disease was proportional to nematode reproduction factor.

Host status of selected cultivated fruit crops to Meloidogyne enterolobii

Meloidogyne enterolobii (syn. M. mayaguensis) has been reported to cause severe damage in commercial guava orchards and other plants in Central and South American countries. Considering the risk of introduction and dissemination of this pest in the European region, M. enterolobii was placed on the EPPO A2 list in 2010. The use of non-host fruit species is a recommended strategy to manage root-knot nematodes in infested guava orchards. This study screened 89 plant genotypes from 25 fruit plants of economic importance, plus two susceptible controls (guava and tomato) for its host status to M. enterolobii. Three to eight months after inoculation, nematode reproduction factor (RF) was used to characterize host suitability of fruit crops to this nematode. Ten banana genotypes, six Barbados cherries, one fig, two grape rootstocks and six melons were rated as good hosts for this nematode. Sixteen fruit plants behaved either as non-hosts or poor hosts to M. enterolobii, including assaí, atemoya, avocado, cashew nut, citrus, coconut, grape, jabuticaba, mango, mulberry, papaya, passion fruit, sapodilla, soursop, starfruit and strawberry. For the future, field experiments in areas infested by this nematode are essential to confirm the greenhouse results. These non-host fruit species can replace in the future eradicated guava trees in fields severely infested by this nematode and become an economic option for growers where M. enterolobii is considered a serious problem.

First Report of Meloidogyne ethiopica Parasitizing Sugarcane in Brazil

C. Bellé , Doutorando em Fitossanidade, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, 96010-900, Pelotas, RS, Brazil; S. M. Kulczynski, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Frederico Westphalen, 98400-000, RS, Brazil; P. R. Kuhn, EPAGRI, 89893-000, Mondaí, SC, Brazil; R. M. D. G. Carneiro, Embrapa Recursos Genéticos e Biotecnologia, 70770-91, Brasília, DF, Brazil; and I. Lima-Medina and C. B. Gomes, Embrapa Clima Temperado, 96010971, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.

Breeding for Fungus Resistance

Late blight, caused by the oomycete Phytophthora infestans, is a serious disease in potato and tomato crops throughout the world. It cuts yields by destroying leaves and rotting tubers during growth, development, and storage. Under favorable weather conditions, late blight is capable of destroying a potato crop in a matter of days. The development of potato varieties resistant and acceptable in the market could offer a number of advantages on the control of the disease. This chapter discusses breeding for resistance to P. infestans, but the majority of examples and strategies mentioned in relation to this pathogen can be applied to breeding for resistance to fungi in general. First, the aspects of plant physiological responses, pathogen-host interaction, vertical x horizontal resistance, co-evolution of the pathogen, and the host wild species are reviewed. Then, the germplasm and genetic variability, inheritance of resistance, trait relationships, stress induction and intensity, and duration of the disease, strategy and selection methods, and biotechnology applied to the breeding for fungus resistance are discussed. Also, considerations about the effects of the possible climate change on plant responses to the disease are made. Finally, closing remarks of the chapter are presented.