The application of zinc fertilizer reduces Fusarium infection and development in wheat

Abstract

Fusarium pseudograminearum and Fusarium graminearum commonly cause crown rot (FCR) and head blight (FHB) in wheat, respectively. Disease infection and spread can be reduced by the deployment of resistant cultivars or through management practices that limit inoculum load. Plants deficient in micronutrients, including zinc, tend to be more susceptible to many diseases. On the other hands, and zinc deficiency in cereals is widespread in Australian soils. Zinc deficiency may have particular relevance to crown rot, the most important and damaging Fusarium disease of wheat and barley in Australia. Four wheat genotypes; Batavia, Sunco and two lines from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) were tested for response to FHB and FCR under differing levels of Zn,1 and 2 g/kg and its correlation with disease severity. Sunco and CIMMYT line 146 were previously rated resistant to crown rot and Zn efficient. Zn application 2 g/kg soil enhanced resistance to FCR of the disease susceptible and Zn in-efficient in Batavia and 48 as its recorded 0.75 and 0.5 respectively compared to Sunco and CIMMYT line 146 as it recorded 0.2 and 0.3 respectively, but did not increase resistance to FHB. However, Zn application did enhance the resistance of Zn efficient genotypes to FHB. Results suggest that higher levels of Zn fertilization could reduce the expression of Fusarium diseases in wheat.

Using NGS Technology and Association Mapping to Identify Candidate Genes Associated with Fusarium Stalk Rot Resistance

“…The development of the pathogen can also be favored by weather factors, such as a cool and rainy spring, heavy rainfall, or sowing too deeply in heavy soil [9]. Infection can be prevented; several studies have shown that soil fertilization has a positive effect on plant tolerance to pathogenic fungi, particularly the use of fertilizers containing zinc or potassium phosphite [10][11][12]. Stalk rot usually occurs when plant tissues are damaged by Ostrinia nubilalis.…”

Assessment of Agricultural Practices for Controlling Fusarium and Mycotoxins Contamination on Maize Grains: Exploratory Study in Maize Farms

“…In this way, the agricultural practices should focus on the nutritional and structural needs of both the plant and its microbiome. Several studies have shown that fertilization of the soil had positive effects on the plant tolerance to pathogenic fungi, such as using fertilizers containing either zinc or potassium phosphite [ 16 , 17 , 18 ]. The use of potassium phosphite in the growing media under greenhouse conditions resulted in lettuce protection against Fusarium oxysporum with a disease reduction varying from 11% to 46% [ 18 ].…”

Identification and Analysis of Candidate Genes Associated with Maize Fusarium Cob Resistance Using Next-Generation Sequencing Technology

“…Attention should therefore be focused on the nutritional and structural needs of both the plant and its microbiome. Several studies have shown that soil fertilization has had a positive effect on plant tolerance to pathogenic fungi, such as in instances where fertilizers containing either zinc or potassium phosphite have been used [14][15][16].…”