Evaluation of yeast-like fungi to protect Virginia mallow (Sida hermaphrodita) against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Abstract

Virginia mallow is a plant from the central and eastern states of North America. A large amount of high quality biomass obtained from V. mallow led to interest in this plant for bioenergy purposes. Unfortunately, high incidence of white rot disease caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum destroyed plantations of this plant. In previous attempts, various control strategies were not successful and all treatments failed (including the use of Coniothurium minitans). The aim of the study was to find and evaluate yeast-like fungi for biocontrol of S. sclerotiorum, evaluate the optimal thermal condition for biocontrol efficacy, and describe possible modes of action of potential biocontrol organisms. In dual bioassay test with 19 strains of yeast-like fungi with S. sclerotiorum, antagonistic potential were obtained. At different temperatures variations in antagonistic activity of yeast-like fungi were observed. At all tested temperatures (i.e., 4, 12, and 23°C), positive results were obtained. Extracellular enzymes were produced by the majority of antagonistic yeast, such as: amylases (the most frequent), chitinases, proteases, pectinases and xylanases. In this research, reduction in white rot symptoms on V. mallow stems was significant (P < 0.05). The highest inhibition of disease was observed after treatment with strains (114/64) Candida albidus and (117/10) Pichia anomala.Key words: bioenergy crops, yeast, biocontrol, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Sida hermaphrodita, antagonistic activity.Résumé : La mauve de Virginie est une plante originaire des États du centre et de l'est d'Amérique du Nord. L'abondante quantité de biomasse de haute qualité qu'on en tire a fait en sorte qu'on s'intéresse à sa culture pour la production de bioénergie. Malheureusement, la forte incidence de pourriture blanche attribuable à Sclerotinia sclerotiorum a détruit les peuplements. Les tentatives antérieures de lutte selon diverses méthodes n'ont pas donné de bons résultats et tous les traitements se sont soldés par un échec (y compris le recours à Coniothurium minitans). La présente étude avait pour buts de trouver puis d'évaluer des cryptogames semblables aux levures qui permettraient de lutter biologiquement contre le parasite, d'établir les conditions thermiques idéales pour cela et de décrire les modes d'action possibles des organismes pouvant servir à la lutte biologique. Un antagonisme potentiel a été observé lors de l'essai biologique double réalisé avec 19 souches de cryptogames de type levure sur une culture de S. sclerotiorum. Cette activité antagoniste varie avec la température. Des résultats positifs ont été obtenus à toutes les températures testées (4, 12, et 23°C). La plupart des levures antagonistes synthétisent des enzymes extracellulaires comme des amylases (le plus souvent), des chitinases, des protéases, des pectinases et des xylanases. La diminution des symptômes de pourriture blanche sur la tige de la mauve de Virginie observée durant ces recherches est significative (P < 0,05). Le plus fort degré d'inhibition de la m...

Virginia mallow (Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby) as perennial multipurpose crop: biomass yields, energetic valorization, utilization potentials, and management perspectives

“…Furthermore, the susceptibility of Sida to pathogens such as S. sclerotiorum should be examined, and measures to countersteer potential infestations as exemplified by Remlein‐Starosta et al . () need to be developed. Moreover, extensive economic calculations regarding the costs and revenues in full management cycles are lacking, particularly in comparison with SRC, cup plant, and Miscanthus spp.…”

“…Hence, more research on successful plantation establishment using pretreated seeds is desirable, as well as assessing the optimal growth conditions of Sida under different edaphic and climatic conditions. Furthermore, the susceptibility of Sida to pathogens such as S. sclerotiorum should be examined, and measures to countersteer potential infestations as exemplified by Remlein-Starosta et al (2016) need to be developed. Moreover, extensive economic calculations regarding the costs and revenues in full management cycles are lacking, particularly in comparison with SRC, cup plant, and Miscanthus spp.…”

“…It seems likely that Sida reproduces both sexually via seed germination, but also asexually via spreading rhizomes (Environment Canada, 2015). In general, during an estimated plantation life time of 20 years, Sida is deemed rather insusceptible toward pests and diseases, although it can be affected by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Haller & Fritz, 2015;Remlein-Starosta et al, 2016). It can withstand temperatures of up to À35°C without problems (Borkowska et al, 2006b).…”

Two Novel Energy Crops: Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby and Silphium perfoliatum L.—State of Knowledge

“…From here onwards, we will refer to it as simply S. hermaphrodita. S. hermaphrodita is indigenous to North America, where it is found in or near to wetlands, floodplains, and rivers [7,8]. In the USA in 1985, large wild populations of S. hermaphrodita were documented in West Virginia and Ohio states, with isolated populations in Kentucky, Michigan, and Indiana [9].…”

Cinnamon powder: an in vitro and in vivo evaluation of antifungal and plant growth promoting activity

“…The use of natural products is one of biological control methods in fungal disease control. The method is still not common and investigations are required to find suitable plants that can be used to control pathogenic fungi (El-Mougy Nehal and Abdel-Kader Mokhtar 2007;Kowalska 2011;Remlein-Starosta et al 2016).…”