Hydrophobic exudate from roots of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor(L.) Moench. #3SORVU ‘IS 8768’] contain fourp-benzoquinones which in the dihydroquinone form are active as germination stimulants of witchweed [Striga asiatica(L.) Kuntz. # STRLU]. The three minorp-benzoquinones were partially characterized and found to be structurally similar to sorgoleone, the majorp-benzoquinone of this exudate. Herbicidal activity of the hydrophobic exudate was due to concentration- and pH-dependent inhibition of root elongation in some but not all weeds tested. Witchweed has apparently adapted these “defense” compounds of sorghum as host-specific germination stimulants.

Initial interactions of Striga asiatica with a susceptible host and non-host plants were examined by histological methods. Haustorial development was initiated when radicles of S. asiatica were placed in contact with host or nonhost roots. Reorganization of the S. asiatica root apical meristem was rapid and involved the formation of a distal group of cells that penetrated the host or nonhost root. Penetration of the epidermis of the host (sorghum) roots and advance into the cortex occurred within 24 to 48 h of inoculation. Penetration of the endodermis by the developing endophyte was delayed for 72 to 96 h after initial contact. However, upon penetration vascular continuity was established between parasite and host. In contrast, interactions with nonhosts provided evidence of active resistance mechanisms. Penetration of lettuce, marigold, and cowpea roots by S. asiatica was most frequently arrested in the cortex, and endophytic cells were necrotic 72 h after inoculation. Some species-specific differences were observed in the reactions of nonhosts to penetration, although in their general nature the interactions with S. asiatica were similar.

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SummaryStudies of the initial interactions of Striga asiatica with the non-host plant species Tagetes erecta (marigold) established that parasite penetration through the root is arrested most frequently in the cortex. The arrest of parasite ingress is associated with browning and necrosis of root cortical cells¯anking the invading endophyte and with increased intracellular wall appositions on the root cell walls directly adjacent to the plant-parasite interface. Using a polymerase chain reaction-based differential cDNA ampli®cation strategy followed by 5¢-RACE, we have identi®ed several gene products whose expression is induced in marigold roots during attempted parasitism by Striga. Among these was a 917 bp cDNA encoding a 221 amino acid protein with signi®cant homology to proteins encoded by disease resistance genes from other plant species, including N, RPP5, L6 and M. This cDNA was subsequently used to isolate a nuclear gene, designated NRSA-1, for non-host resistance to Striga asiatica. NRSA-1 is a member of a small gene family in marigold consisting of two to four members. RNA gel blot analysis showed that NRSA-1 transcripts accumulate to high levels in roots near the site of Striga invasion within 120 h after parasite attachment, and appear at lower levels throughout the rest of the plant under Striga parasitism. NRSA-1 expression is rapidly induced by treatment with jasmonic acid (JA), but not by mechanical wounding, treatment with salicylic acid, paraquat or ABA. A possible role for NRSA-1 in the nonhost resistance mechanism is discussed.