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Postharvest infection of Freesia hybrida flowers by Botrytis cinerea

Postharvest infection of Freesia hybrida flowers by Botrytis cinerea ‘Specking’ on harvested freesia (Freesia hybrida) flowers is a problem worldwide. The disease is caused by the fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea. This disease symptom detracts from appearance and reduces marketability of the flowers. Unlike other important cut flower crops (e.g. gerbera), the mode of infection and epidemiology of postharvest freesia flower specking caused by B. cinerea has not been reported. Epidemiological studies were carried out under simulated conditions typical of those occurring during postharvest handling of freesia flowers. Infection of freesia flowers by B. cinerea occurred when a conidium germinated, formed a germ tube(s) and penetrated epidermal cells. Fungal hyphae then colonised adjacent cells, resulting in visible lesions. Different host reactions were observed on freesia ‘Cote d’Azur’ petals at 20°C compared to 5°C. The infection process was relatively rapid at 20°C, with visible lesions produced within 7 h of incubation. However, lesion expansion ceased after 24 h of incubation. Infection was slower at 5°C, with visible lesions produced after 48 h of incubation. However, lesion development at 5°C was continuous, with lesions expanding over 4 days. Light microscopy observations revealed increased host defence reactions during infection. These reactions involved production of phenolic compounds, probably lignin and/or callose, around infection sites. Such substances may play a role in restricting petal colonisation and lesion expansion. Disease severity and lesion numbers on freesia flowers incubated at 12°C were higher, but not significantly higher (P > 0.05), than on those incubated at 20°C. Disease severity and progression were differentially mediated by temperature and relative humidity (R.H.). Infection of freesia flowers was severe at 100% R.H. for all three incubation temperatures of 5,12 and 20°C. In contrast, no lesions were produced at 80 to 90% R.H. at either 5 or 20°C. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Australasian Plant Pathology Springer Journals

Postharvest infection of Freesia hybrida flowers by Botrytis cinerea

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References (35)

Publisher
Springer Journals
Copyright
Copyright © 2006 by Australasian Plant Pathology Society
Subject
Life Sciences; Plant Pathology; Plant Sciences; Agriculture; Entomology; Ecology
ISSN
0815-3191
eISSN
1448-6032
DOI
10.1071/AP05103
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

‘Specking’ on harvested freesia (Freesia hybrida) flowers is a problem worldwide. The disease is caused by the fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea. This disease symptom detracts from appearance and reduces marketability of the flowers. Unlike other important cut flower crops (e.g. gerbera), the mode of infection and epidemiology of postharvest freesia flower specking caused by B. cinerea has not been reported. Epidemiological studies were carried out under simulated conditions typical of those occurring during postharvest handling of freesia flowers. Infection of freesia flowers by B. cinerea occurred when a conidium germinated, formed a germ tube(s) and penetrated epidermal cells. Fungal hyphae then colonised adjacent cells, resulting in visible lesions. Different host reactions were observed on freesia ‘Cote d’Azur’ petals at 20°C compared to 5°C. The infection process was relatively rapid at 20°C, with visible lesions produced within 7 h of incubation. However, lesion expansion ceased after 24 h of incubation. Infection was slower at 5°C, with visible lesions produced after 48 h of incubation. However, lesion development at 5°C was continuous, with lesions expanding over 4 days. Light microscopy observations revealed increased host defence reactions during infection. These reactions involved production of phenolic compounds, probably lignin and/or callose, around infection sites. Such substances may play a role in restricting petal colonisation and lesion expansion. Disease severity and lesion numbers on freesia flowers incubated at 12°C were higher, but not significantly higher (P > 0.05), than on those incubated at 20°C. Disease severity and progression were differentially mediated by temperature and relative humidity (R.H.). Infection of freesia flowers was severe at 100% R.H. for all three incubation temperatures of 5,12 and 20°C. In contrast, no lesions were produced at 80 to 90% R.H. at either 5 or 20°C.

Journal

Australasian Plant Pathology – Springer Journals

Published: Jan 28, 2011

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