Biocontrol Science and Technology (2017) 27, 252-267

Zohreh Nassimi and Parissa Taheri (2017)
Endophytic fungus Piriformospora indica induced systemic resistance against rice sheath blight via affecting hydrogen peroxide and antioxidants
Biocontrol Science and Technology 27 (2), 252-267
Abstract: In this study, the effect of endophytic fungus Piriformospora indica on Rhizoctonia solani AG1-IA, causal agent of sheath blight disease, was investigated. In addition, plant defence responses activated in P. indica-inoculated rice plants were analysed. Two-week-old seedlings were inoculated by dipping their roots in P. indica chlamydospore suspension and transferred to pots containing sterilized soil. After two weeks, the seedlings pre-inoculated with P. indica were inoculated with R. solani. Statistical analysis of biological indicators showed that application of P. indica increased both fresh and dry weight of rice shoots and roots, compared to those of uninoculated healthy controls and the samples only inoculated with R. solani. Accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and activity of antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) in plants inoculated with P. indica, R. solani, and P. indica-R. solani were investigated. The obtained results revealed that P. indica not only increased the plant biomass, but also delayed the infection process of R. solani and decreased sheath blight severity. Decreased severity of the disease was associated with decreased levels of H₂O₂ and increased SOD activity. Considering the necessity of reducing fungicide application, using P. indica in seedling bed before transplantation to the field could be a novel and effective method to increase rice production and decrease sheath blight progress.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Parissa Taheri

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
evaluation - screening - selection

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Rhizoctonia solani	Rice (Oryza)
Piriformospora indica (antagonist)	Rhizoctonia solani	Rice (Oryza)