Root infection of wasabi (Wasabia joponica) by Pythium species
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| Authors: | Rodriguez, G; Punja, ZK |
| Year: | 2007 |
| Journal: | Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology-Revue Canadienne de Phytopathologie 29: 79-83 |
| Title: | Root infection of wasabi (Wasabia joponica) by Pythium species |
| Abstract: | Wasabi (Wasabia japonica) is cultivated under cool, humid conditions in many regions of the world for its rhizome, which is used as a culinary ingredient. In British Columbia, there is some wasabi production under semihydroponic conditions in polyethylene greenhouses. In January 2004, wasabi plants with browning and root loss, with no apparent foliar symptoms, were obtained. Pythium dissotocum and Pythium intermedium were consistently isolated from the affected roots. Wasabi plants produced from meristem-tip tissue culture were grown hydroponically ill Gamborg's B5 nutrient Solution at 18 degrees C for 6 months, inoculated with mycelial plugs of each Pythium sp., and incubated at 20 degrees C. After 2 months, the inoculated plants had significant root browning and loss, and the root dry mass of inoculated plants was reduced to 16% of that in the noninoculated controls. Both Pythium spp. were observed colonizing the roots and were recovered from inoculated plants. Pythium dissotocum and P. intermedium appear to be prevalent root pathogens of W. japonica without inducing apparent foliar symptoms. However, root loss can predispose the affected plants to other biotic and abiotic stresses, leading to plant mortality. |
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