Journal of Phytopathology - Phytopathologische Zeitschrift (1996) 144, 131-134

C. Madhosingh (1996)
A rapid tomato seedling assay for Verticillium wilt
Journal of Phytopathology - Phytopathologische Zeitschrift 144 (3), 131-134
Abstract: A rapid (10-min) tomato seedling assay was developed for determining the wilt-capacity of cell-free culture filtrates of race 1 and race 2 isolates of Verticillium dahliae. The assay also rapidly determined the differences in wilt resistance between tomato cultivars. Rapidity was attained by manipulating incubation conditions to promote rapid wilting. These included inducing elongated stems in the susceptible cv. Bonny Best seedlings by growth of plants in subdued light (2.2 x 10³ lux) and by concentrating two-fold the cell-free culture filtrates of the pathogen. Further, rapid uptake of the wilt factors in the culture filtrates was facilitated during incubation by increasing transpiration with bright light (23.8 x 10³ lux), a wind stream (125-150 metres/min) across the assay seedlings, low relative humidity (28%) and a relatively high assay temperature (30°C). When necessary, these conditions were altered to extend the assay times. This assay system was used to determine optimal incubation time, temperature and medium for obtaining culture filtrates with increased wilt capacities. The assay also determined the relative wilt capacities of races 1 and 2 and the comparative resistance of four tomato cultivars to wilt caused by races 1 and 2.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution
resistance/tolerance/defence of host

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Verticillium dahliae	Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)