Abstract
Different effects of Acremonium strictum from Cameroon on maize cultivars Ndock 8701, CMS 8704 and CMS 8501 were investigated. Observations of symptoms and re-isolation of the pathogen showed that the disease causes chlorosis, leaf necrosis, stem necrosis, barren plants and wilting symptoms. Reduction in growth and yield is demonstrated. In the cultivar Ndock 8701 the pathogen showed systemic development in the host tissues with inter- and intracellular colonization of the vascular bundle and adjacent tissues including the protoxylem lacuna, xylem vessels, metaxylem, sieve tubes, protophloem and metaphloem. Gels and gums were observed in the maize xylem vessels after fungal invasion and are part of the host defence response. Coloration corresponding to acidic carbohydrates and phenolic compounds was recorded. This is the first demonstration of the pathogenic nature of A. strictum in maize from Cameroon as well as the observation of gels and gums. This pathogen must be regarded as important considering its interaction in maize.
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Tagne, A., Neergaard, E., Hansen, H. et al. Studies of Host—pathogen Interaction Between Maize and Acremonium strictum From Cameroon. European Journal of Plant Pathology 108, 93–102 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1015092030874
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1015092030874