Search for Resistant Genotypes to Cuscuta campestris Infection in Two Legume Species, Vicia sativa and Vicia ervilia

Abstract

The dodders (Cuscuta spp.) are parasitic plants that feed on the stems of their host plants. Cuscuta campestris is one of the most damaging parasitic plants for the worldwide agricultural production of broad-leaved crops. Its control is limited or non-existent, therefore resistance breeding is the best alternative both economically and environmentally. Common vetch (Vicia sativa) and bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia) are highly susceptible to C. campestris, but no resistant genotypes have been identified. Thus, the aim of this study was to identify in V. sativa and V.ervilia germplasm collections genotypes resistant to C. campestris infection for use in combating this parasitic plant. Three greenhouse screening were conducted to: (1) identify resistant responses in a collection of 154 accessions of bitter vetch and a collection of 135 accessions of common vetch genotypes against infection of C. campestris; (2) confirm the resistant response identified in common vetch accessions; and (3) characterize the effect of C. campestris infection on biomass of V. sativa resistant and susceptible accessions. Most common vetch and bitter vetch genotypes tested were susceptible to C. campestris. However, the V. sativa genotype Vs.1 exhibited high resistance. The resistant phenotype was characterized by a delay in the development of C. campestris posthaustorial growth and a darkening resembling a hypersensitive-like response at the penetration site. The resistant mechanism was effective in limiting the growth of C. campestris as the ratio of parasite/host shoot dry biomass was more significantly reduced than the rest of the accessions. To the best or our knowledge, this is the first identification of Cuscuta resistance in V. sativa genotypes.

(4Z)-Lachnophyllum Lactone, an Acetylenic Furanone from Conyza bonariensis, Identified for the First Time with Allelopathic Activity against Cuscuta campestris

“…Our results indicate that Cuscuta seedlings had a reduced capacity to coil and attach on Conyza bonariensis plants (Figure 3D) in comparison with the non-allelopathic control weed species (Figure 3), but those Cuscuta seedlings that were able to properly attach to Conyza had the capacity to infect (Figure 4C), indicating that Conyza does not seem to impose resistance mechanisms against the invasion of the attached haustorium and subsequent parasitic growth of Cuscuta seedlings up to at least an age of 14 days old. Resistance to C. campestris haustorium invasion and subsequent parasitic growth have been previously described in other plant species [7,8]. To identify the compound(s) responsible for the allelopathic activity against Cuscuta in Conyza bonariensis dichloromethane extract, an increased amount of Conyza-lyophilized tissue was extracted.…”

“…is one of the most damaging species for agricultural production, for which control in the majority of crops is limited or nonexistent [7]. On one side, the intimacy of connections between Cuscuta and its crop host renders the available selective herbicides ineffective, and on the other side, there is a lack of development of resistant varieties against Cuscuta infection for the majority of crops affected [7][8][9]. In addition, the persistent Cuscuta seedbank and broad host range in the agricultural fields, which includes many species of crops and weeds, make the use of rotation ineffective for its control.…”

Identification of Structural Features of Hydrocinnamic Acid Related to Its Allelopathic Activity against the Parasitic Weed Cuscuta campestris

“…Cuscuta campestris is considered one of the most damaging parasitic weed species, severely affecting the yield of dicotyledonous crops of economic importance [ 3 ]. There is no effective Cuscuta control for the most affected crops [ 4 , 5 ]. After Cuscuta germination, a filiform seedling twines around the nearest crop stem producing haustoria, which penetrate into the crop stem and fuse with the crop vascular system to extract nutrients and water [ 6 , 7 ].…”

Structure−Activity Relationship (SAR) Study of trans-Cinnamic Acid and Derivatives on the Parasitic Weed Cuscuta campestris

“…), which severely affects the yield of economically important crops worldwide [ 6 ]. There is no effective C. campestris control for most affected crops [ 7 , 8 ]. Cuscuta plants have neither roots nor leaves and obtain their nutrition by infecting crop stems shortly after germination.…”