ISHS Acta Horticulturae 273: V International Workshop on Fireblight
ERWINIA AMYLOVORA INFECTION OF HAWTHORN BLOSSOM |
| Authors: | M. Wilson, H.A.S. Epton, D.C. Sigee |
| Abstract:
Blossoms of hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) were inoculated on single sites, (anthers, stigma, or nectary), with E. amylovora. Pathogen population development was followed by viable counts and microscopy. Multiplication on the surface of the anther was limited, except in the vicinity of the dehiscence zone, through which invasion occurred. Within the anther locule, rapid bacterial multiplication led to contamination of the pollen grains. Multiplication on the stigma was biphasic, with an epiphytic phase preceding tissue invasion. Although the pathogen did not invade the stylar tissues, under humid conditions bacterial cells were carried down the exterior of the style in stigmatic exudate. The nectary represented the main site of pathogen multiplication and invasion under humid conditions, with early multiplication occurring in the nectarthodes and sub-nectarthodal chamber prior to nectarial invasion. These results are of relevance to the epidemiology of fire blight disease. | |
Download Adobe Acrobat Reader (free software to read PDF files) | |
