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The hemibiotrophic fungal pathogen Colletotrichum sublineola is the causal agent of anthracnose in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), resulting in leaf blight, stalk rot, and head blight in susceptible genotypes, with yield losses of up to 50%. The development of anthracnose-resistant cultivars can reduce reliance on fungicides and provide a more sustainable and economical means for disease management. A previous genome-wide association study of the sorghum association panel identified the candidate resistance gene Sobic.005G172300 encoding an F-box protein. To better understand the role of this gene in the defense against C. sublineola, gene expression following infection with C. sublineola was monitored by RNA sequencing in seedlings of sorghum accession SC110, which harbored the resistance allele, and three accessions that harbored a susceptible allele. Only in SC110 did the expression of Sobic.005G172300 increase during the biotrophic phase of infection. Subsequent transcriptome analysis, gene co-expression networks, and gene regulatory networks of inoculated and mock-inoculated seedlings of resistant and susceptible accessions suggest that the increase in expression of Sobic.005G172300 induces an oxidative burst by lowering the concentration of ascorbic acid during the biotrophic phase of infection. Based on gene regulatory network analysis, the protein encoded by Sobic.005G172300 is proposed to target proteins involved in the biosynthesis of ascorbic acid for polyubiquitination through the SCF E3 ubiquitin ligase, causing their degradation via the proteasome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet sorghum is an attractive feedstock for the production of renewable chemicals and fuels due to the readily available fermentable sugars that can be extracted from the juice, and the additional stream of fermentable sugars that can be obtained from the cell wall polysaccharides in the bagasse. An important selection criterion for new sweet sorghum germplasm is resistance to anthracnose, a disease caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum sublineolum. The identification of novel anthracnose-resistance sources present in sweet sorghum germplasm offers a fast track towards the development of new resistant sweet sorghum germplasm. We established a sweet sorghum diversity panel (SWDP) of 272 accessions from the USDA-ARS National Plant Germplasm (NPGS) collection that includes landraces from 22 countries and advanced breeding material, and that represents ~15% of the NPGS sweet sorghum collection. Genomic characterization of the SWDP identified 171,954 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with an average of one SNP per 4,071 kb. Population structure analysis revealed that the SWDP could be stratified into four populations and one admixed group, and that this population structure could be aligned to sorghum's racial classification. Results from a two-year replicated trial of the SWDP for anthracnose resistance response in Texas, Georgia, Florida, and Puerto Rico showed 27 accessions to be resistant across locations, while 145 accessions showed variable resistance response against local pathotypes. A genome-wide association study identified 16 novel genomic regions associated with anthracnose resistance. Four resistance loci on chromosomes 3, 6, 8 and 9 were identified against pathotypes from Puerto Rico, and two resistance loci on chromosomes 3 and 8 against pathotypes from Texas. In Georgia and Florida, three resistance loci were detected on chromosomes 4, 5, 6 and four on chromosomes 4, 5 (two loci) and 7, respectively. One resistance locus on chromosome 2 was effective against pathotypes from Texas and Puerto Rico and a genomic region of 41.6 kb at the tip of chromosome 8 was associated with resistance response observed in Georgia, Texas, and Puerto Rico. This publicly available SWDP and the extensive evaluation of anthracnose resistance represent a valuable genomic resource for the improvement of sorghum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet sorghum is an attractive feedstock for the production of renewable chemicals and fuels due to the readily available fermentable sugars that can be extracted from the juice, and the additional stream of fermentable sugars that can be obtained from the cell wall polysaccharides in the bagasse. An important selection criterion for new sweet sorghum germplasm is resistance to anthracnose, a disease caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum sublineolum. The identification of novel anthracnose-resistance sources present in sweet sorghum germplasm offers a fast track towards the development of new resistant sweet sorghum germplasm. We established a sweet sorghum diversity panel (SWDP) of 272 accessions from the USDA-ARS National Plant Germplasm (NPGS) collection that includes landraces from 22 countries and advanced breeding material, and that represents ~15% of the NPGS sweet sorghum collection. Genomic characterization of the SWDP identified 171,954 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with an average of one SNP per 4,071 kb. Population structure analysis revealed that the SWDP could be stratified into four populations and one admixed group, and that this population structure could be aligned to sorghum’s racial classification. Results from a two-year replicated trial of the SWDP for anthracnose resistance response in Texas, Georgia, Florida, and Puerto Rico showed 27 accessions to be resistant across locations, while 145 accessions showed variable resistance response against local pathotypes. A genome-wide association study identified 16 novel genomic regions associated with anthracnose resistance. Four resistance loci on chromosomes 3, 6, 8 and 9 were identified against pathotypes from Puerto Rico, and two resistance loci on chromosomes 3 and 8 against pathotypes from Texas. In Georgia and Florida, three resistance loci were detected on chromosomes 4, 5, 6 and four on chromosomes 4, 5 (two loci) and 7, respectively. One resistance locus on chromosome 2 was effective against pathotypes from Texas and Puerto Rico and a genomic region of 41.6 kb at the tip of chromosome 8 was associated with resistance response observed in Georgia, Texas, and Puerto Rico. This publicly available SWDP and the extensive evaluation of anthracnose resistance represent a valuable genomic resource for the improvement of sorghum.

Sorghum anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum sublineolum is one of the most destructive diseases affecting sorghum production in Ethiopia. Pathogenic variability of C. sublineolum isolates on some sorghum differentials under greenhouse condition was evaluated in Jimma, Ethiopia. Highly significant (P < 0.001) differences among sorghum differentials, C. sublineolum isolates and their interactions on incubation period, aggressiveness, virulence index, virulence, the first and final anthracnose severity assessments, disease infection rate and AUDPC were studied. Among the interactions, the interaction between CsAs7 (isolate from Assosa zone field 7) and sorghum differentials had the shortest mean incubation period (3.5 days), highest first and final anthracnose severity, highest virulence index, fastest disease infection rate and highest AUDPC as compared to others. This isolate showed the most aggressive and virulent reaction than others followed by CsJm5. The interaction of PI570726 and SC748-5 sorghum differentials and all C. sublineolum isolates produce 100 and 80% resistant reactions, respectively and they could be used as good sources of resistance genes for breeding programs for sorghum anthracnose management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon (Si) accumulation in plants may reduce yield losses by inducing resistance to both abiotic and biotic stresses. This study aimed to evaluate the Si accumulation by lignocellulosic sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) in a greenhouse experiment, as well as the effect of its application on agricultural traits and on the induction of resistance against anthracnose (Colletotrichum sublineolum) in a field experiment. Sixteen sorghum genotypes were evaluated in a greenhouse for their response to silicate fertilization, receiving either 0 kg ha-1 or 261 kg ha-1 of Si, measuring the Si concentration in the sorghum shoots. Four genotypes that were responsive to Si fertilization were tested in the field, receiving either 0 kg ha-1 or 400 kg ha-1 of Si, being evaluated the Si concentration on the leaves, plant height, lodging percentage, anthracnose disease severity, grain yield and plant fresh and dry matter. The response of sorghum to Si fertilization in the greenhouse varied with the genotype and, of the 16 genotypes evaluated, 12 were responsive, accumulating more Si after the fertilization with this element. All four genotypes tested in the field were responsive, but no effect of Si was observed on grain yield or on sorghum fresh and dry matter production. However, the soil Si application reduced the plant lodging and anthracnose severity ratings in sorghum.

Copyright of Journal of Shenyang Agricultural University is the property of Journal of Shenyang Agricultural University Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Three isolates of Colletotrichum sublineolum P. Henn were inoculated on leaf blades and midribs of twenty-six johnsongrass cultivars with two sorghum cultivars, BTx 623 and SC 748-5 by using an excised leaf method. Phenotypic host responses from no response to severe infection, were observed. Some johnsongrass cultivars and BTx 623 showed different responses between the two tissues. Expression of six defense response related genes were measured using Real-time qRT-PCR. Leaf blade and midrib showed different patterns in BTx 623 inoculated with C. sublineolum ; high expression of CHS8 and TLP were measured in midrib at 24 and 48 hpi respectively. • Some cultivars appeared to differ in symptoms on leaf blades and midribs in natural infections. • The majority of the 26 cultivars tested showed little difference in the relative scores, but several were significant. • Two johnsongrass and two sorghum inbreds were tested for defense response based on levels of mRNA for 6 genes. • Sorghum BTx623 differed in both symptoms and induction of defense responses in the two tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench is an important food security crop widely grown by smallholder farmers in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), including Ethiopia. In SSA, the potential of sorghum production and productivity has not been realised due to an array of constraints. Colletotrichum sublineolum disease is one of the main biotic constraints causing significant yield losses. The objectives of this study were to assess farmers' perception, preferences and constraints to sorghum production and productivity in western Ethiopia, and to identify key drivers for anthracnose resistance breeding. A participatory rural appraisal study was undertaken in six selected districts in the East Wellega and West Shewa Administrative Zones in Ethiopia. Data were collected through structured questionnaires involving 165 respondent farmers. Further focus group discussions were held with 180 farmers and development agents. Sorghum is the third most preferred cereal crop after Eragrostis tef and Zea mays in western Ethiopia. About 79% of interviewed farmers cultivated sorghum during the study season. Farmers perceived that sorghum production is constrained by anthracnose disease, bird attack, loose smut and covered smut diseases. The most important farmer-preferred traits in sorghum varieties in the study areas were anthracnose resistance and tolerance to bird attack. Breeding sorghum varieties with the farmer-preferred traits is an important consideration to enhance productivity and adoption of improved sorghum cultivars in western Ethiopia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metabolome of a biological system provides a functional readout of the cellular state, thus serving as direct signatures of biochemical events that define the dynamic equilibrium of metabolism and the correlated phenotype. Hence, to elucidate biochemical processes involved in sorghum responses to fungal infection, a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based untargeted metabolomic study was designed. Metabolic alterations of three sorghum cultivars responding to Colletotrichum sublineolum, were investigated. At the 4-leaf growth stage, the plants were inoculated with fungal spore suspensions and the infection monitored over time: 0, 3, 5, 7, and 9 days post inoculation. Non-infected plants were used as negative controls. The metabolite composition of aqueous-methanol extracts were analyzed on an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography system coupled to high-definition mass spectrometry. The acquired multidimensional data were processed to create data matrices for multivariate statistical analysis and chemometric modeling. The computed chemometric models indicated time- and cultivar-related metabolic changes that reflect sorghum responses to the fungal infection. Metabolic pathway and correlation-based network analyses revealed that this multi-component defense response is characterized by a functional metabolic web, containing defense-related molecular cues to counterattack the pathogen invasion. Components of this network are metabolites from a range of interconnected metabolic pathways with the phenylpropanoid and flavonoid pathways being the central hub of the web. One of the key features of this altered metabolism was the accumulation of an array of phenolic compounds, particularly de novo biosynthesis of the antifungal 3-deoxyanthocynidin phytoalexins, apigeninidin, luteolinidin, and related conjugates. The metabolic results were complemented by qRT-PCR gene expression analyses that showed upregulation of defense-related marker genes. Unraveling key characteristics of the biochemical mechanism underlying sorghum—C. sublineolum interactions, provided valuable insights with potential applications in breeding crop plants with enhanced disease resistance. Furthermore, the study contributes to ongoing efforts toward a comprehensive understanding of the regulation and reprogramming of plant metabolism under biotic stress.

The metabolome of a biological system provides a functional readout of the cellular state, thus serving as direct signatures of biochemical events that define the dynamic equilibrium of metabolism and the correlated phenotype. Hence, to elucidate biochemical processes involved in sorghum responses to fungal infection, a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based untargeted metabolomic study was designed. Metabolic alterations of three sorghum cultivars responding to Colletotrichum sublineolum , were investigated. At the 4-leaf growth stage, the plants were inoculated with fungal spore suspensions and the infection monitored over time: 0, 3, 5, 7, and 9 days post inoculation. Non-infected plants were used as negative controls. The metabolite composition of aqueous-methanol extracts were analyzed on an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography system coupled to high-definition mass spectrometry. The acquired multidimensional data were processed to create data matrices for multivariate statistical analysis and chemometric modeling. The computed chemometric models indicated time- and cultivar-related metabolic changes that reflect sorghum responses to the fungal infection. Metabolic pathway and correlation-based network analyses revealed that this multi-component defense response is characterized by a functional metabolic web, containing defense-related molecular cues to counterattack the pathogen invasion. Components of this network are metabolites from a range of interconnected metabolic pathways with the phenylpropanoid and flavonoid pathways being the central hub of the web. One of the key features of this altered metabolism was the accumulation of an array of phenolic compounds, particularly de novo biosynthesis of the antifungal 3-deoxyanthocynidin phytoalexins, apigeninidin, luteolinidin, and related conjugates. The metabolic results were complemented by qRT-PCR gene expression analyses that showed upregulation of defense-related marker genes. Unraveling key characteristics of the biochemical mechanism underlying sorghum— C. sublineolum interactions, provided valuable insights with potential applications in breeding crop plants with enhanced disease resistance. Furthermore, the study contributes to ongoing efforts toward a comprehensive understanding of the regulation and reprogramming of plant metabolism under biotic stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Agricultural Research in the Tropics / Pesquisa Agropecuária Tropical is the property of Pesquisa Agropecuaria Tropical and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum sublineola is an important disease of cultivated sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) worldwide. Anthracnose is also common on the ubiquitous wild sorghum relative Johnsongrass (S. halepense). Analysis of repetitive molecular fingerprinting markers revealed that isolates of C. sublineola from both hosts in the southeastern United States were genotypically diverse, with relatively few haplotypes found in more than one location. With few exceptions, isolates recovered from S. bicolor belonged to a population that was genetically distinct from the population recovered from S. halepense. Twenty-three isolates from cultivated sorghum were all pathogenic to at least one of 13 heritage inbred lines of S. bicolor. In all, 4 of 10 isolates from S. halepense were also pathogenic to one or more of the lines, while the rest caused no disease in greenhouse assays. The four pathogenic isolates from S. halepense were less aggressive, on average, than isolates from 5. bicolor, although the ranges overlapped. Pathogenicity tests involving 15 representative pathogenic isolates from S. bicolor and S. halepense on eight heritage inbred lines of 5. bicolor identified 12 races. The combined results of this study demonstrated that C. sublineola comprises two separate hostassociated subpopulations in the field, even though some isolates from S. halepense were able to cause disease on S. bicolor under ideal greenhouse conditions. Nonetheless, the apparent existence of infrequent cross-infection events in the field, indicated by molecular fingerprinting, suggests that Johnsongrass has the potential to serve as a refuge and an incubator for genetic diversity in C. sublineola, which can complicate efforts to develop and deploy resistant sweet sorghum varieties in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A antracnose foliar é causada pelo fungo Colletotrichum sublineolum Hann. Kabát et Bub. (sin. C. graminicola (Ces.) G.W. Wils.) em plantas de sorgo podendo reduzir a produtividade de grãos e forragem, e o manejo adequado da nutrição mineral desta planta pode se apresentar como um mecanismo de controle sobre a antracnose. Dentre os minerais utilizados para o manejo de doenças, o silício destaca-se por reduzir a severidade das doenças em várias culturas. Diante do exposto, este trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar a severidade da antracnose em diferentes genótipos de sorgo suplementados com doses crescentes de silício. Para tal, realizaram-se experimentos em condições de casa de vegetação e de campo onde os genótipos de sorgo DOW 1F305 e A9735R foram suplementados com doses crescentes de silício (0; 500; 1.000; 1.500; 2.000; e 4.000 kg ha-1) e avaliados quanto à severidade da antracnose. Avaliou-se a severidade da doença por meio de uma escala de notas e, em seguida, amostras foram coletadas para determinação da concentração de silício nas folhas. Após a análise dos resultados, concluiu-se que houve redução na severidade da antracnose em resposta a adubação com silício para ambos os genótipos avaliados. Apesar do genótipo de sorgo DOW 1F305 acumular menores teores de silício em suas folhas, este genótipo foi mais resistente ao ataque da antracnose foliar.

The leaf anthracnose disease in sorghum, caused by Colletotrichum sublineolum (Henn. ex Sacc. & Trotter), is widely distributed throughout its Brazilian cultivation areas. The disease can cause significant losses in grain yield and quality. This study aimed to quantify the effects of leaf anthracnose on grain yield of different sorghum genotypes. Two elite inbred lines of sorghum, BR009 (susceptible) and BR008 (moderately resistant), and the hybrids, BR304 and MR43 (susceptible), BRS310 and DKB599 (moderately resistant) and BRS308 and AG1060 (resistant), were planted in a complete randomized block design with three replicates. The disease severity ( DS) was evaluated weekly, starting from the onset of the first foliar symptoms, and yield losses were estimated using linear regression analysis. Leaf anthracnose significantly reduced sorghum yields in the susceptible genotypes. The highest yield loss of 86% was observed in the inbred line BR009, when the disease severity reached 100%. For the hybrids, the grain yield loss varied from 35% ( BRS310) to 72% ( BRS308). According to the adjusted model, a grain yield reduction of 23.48 kg/ha for BR304, 14.57 kg/ha for BRS310 and 15.91 kg/ha for DKB599 was observed for every 1% increase in disease severity. We demonstrate for the first time the effect of leaf anthracnose disease on grain sorghum yields under Brazilian conditions. The results from this study provide a starting point for developing new strategies for the integrated disease management of sorghum anthracnose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficiency of two isolates ofTrichoderma harzianum(WKY1 and WKY5) as bio-control agents against anthracnose disease in sorghum was investigated.In vitro,T.harzianumWKY1 isolate showed superiority in terms of inhibition of both mycelial growth and spore germination ofColletotrichum sublineolum, the causative agent of sorghum anthracnose, as well as induction of the sorghum seed germination overT.harzianumWKY5 isolate. The culture filtrate of the selected isolate (T. harzianumWKY1) was analysed using GC-MS system to determine their chemical constituents. Twenty-nine components with varied existence percentages were identified. AlthoughT.harzianumWKY1 produced the phytohormone indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) on tryptophan free medium, a marked dependency on tryptophan for the production of IAA was noticed. Nutritional components were optimized for maximizing IAA production using the central composite design. The optimum levels were 1.06, 29.86 and 2.93 g L−1from tryptophan, sucrose and NaNO3, respectively, with a maximum IAA biosynthesis (138.9 µg mL−1) after five days of incubation. Production of IAA in the culture filtrate ofT. harzianumWKY1 was qualitatively and quantitatively analysed by LC-MS system using a reference standard of IAA. Under greenhouse conditions, application ofT.harzianumWKY1 and/or its filtrate reduced greatly the disease severity as well as improved the plant growth of sorghum. From the present data, we can recommend the application ofT.harzianumWKY1 as a dual purpose bio-agent for biological control of anthracnose disease and plant growth promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficiência do uso de multilinhas dinâmicas, por meio de misturas genéticas em populações de híbridos triplos, no manejo da antracnose do sorgo, causada pelo fungo Colletotrichum sublineolum. Foram obtidos 18 híbridos triplos a partir de sete linhagens que continham genes distintos para resistência à doença. Os 25 genótipos de híbridos e linhagens foram avaliados em campo. Verificou-se, em alguns híbridos, grau de resistência superior ao observado para a linhagem mais resistente utilizada nos cruzamentos, o que indica efeito aditivo dos genes de resistência das diferentes linhagens na composição da resistência final dos híbridos. O usodas multilinhas dinâmicas reduziu a intensidade da doença no campo e aumentou a produtividade. Essa estratégia torna possível a utilização de linhagens que apresentam características agronômicas desejáveis, mas são suscetíveis à antracnose.

Sorghum anthracnose is a disease of worldwide importance and host-plant resistance is the most practical method of disease management. In this study, 154 sorghum accessions from the Botswana collection maintained by the United States National Plant Germplasm System were inoculated with Colletotrichum sublineolum and evaluated for disease resistance at the Tropical Agriculture Research Station in Isabela, Puerto Rico during 2007 and 2008. A resistant response was observed for 69 accessions in 2007 and for 48 accessions in 2008 with no acervuli development observed on inoculated leaves. The low frequency of resistant germplasm is expected from a region of low annual rainfall. However, disease severity was low for the susceptible accessions with a mean severity of 11% for the 85 susceptible accessions observed in 2007 and 17% for the 106 susceptible accessions identified in 2008. The highest frequency of resistant accessions was observed for the Ngamiland district with 58% of the accessions rated as resistant, whereas the frequency of resistant accessions ranged from 22% to 36% for the other districts. The lowest mean disease severity was also observed for the susceptible accessions from the Ngamiland district with the highest mean disease severity observed for susceptible accessions from the Kgatleng district. The resistant accessions identified in this study would be useful for the development of disease resistant varieties and the results indicated an ecogeographic association with disease resistance.

Yeasts isolated from sugar cane and maize rhizosphere, leaves and stalks were screened against the phytopathogenic molds Colletotrichum sublineolum and Colletotrichum graminicola, both causal agents of the anthracnose disease in sorghum and maize, respectively. Strains identified as Torulaspora globosa and Candida intermedia were able to inhibit the mold growth, with the first species also exhibiting killer activity. No previous report on the application and potentiality of these yeasts as biocontrol agents were found neither the killer phenotype in Torulaspora globosa.

Background: Colletotrichum graminicola and C. sublineola cause anthracnose leaf and stalk diseases of maize and sorghum, respectively. In spite of their close evolutionary relationship, the two species are completely host-specific. Host specificity is often attributed to pathogen virulence factors, including specialized secondary metabolites (SSM), and small-secreted protein (SSP) effectors. Genes relevant to these categories were manually annotated in two cooccurring, contemporaneous strains of C. graminicola and C. sublineola. A comparative genomic and phylogenetic analysis was performed to address the evolutionary relationships among these and other divergent gene families in the two strains. Results: Inoculation of maize with C. sublineola, or of sorghum with C. graminicola, resulted in rapid plant cell death at, or just after, the point of penetration. The two fungal genomes were very similar. More than 50% of the assemblies could be directly aligned, and more than 80% of the gene models were syntenous. More than 90% of the predicted proteins had orthologs in both species. Genes lacking orthologs in the other species (non-conserved genes) included many predicted to encode SSM-associated proteins and SSPs. Other common groups of nonconserved proteins included transporters, transcription factors, and CAZymes. Only 32 SSP genes appeared to be specific to C. graminicola, and 21 to C. sublineola. None of the SSM-associated genes were lineage-specific. Two different strains of C. graminicola, and three strains of C. sublineola, differed in no more than 1% percent of gene sequences from one another. Conclusions: Efficient non-host recognition of C. sublineola by maize, and of C. graminicola by sorghum, was observed in epidermal cells as a rapid deployment of visible resistance responses and plant cell death. Numerous non-conserved SSP and SSM-associated predicted proteins that could play a role in this non-host recognition were identified. Additional categories of genes that were also highly divergent suggested an important role for coevolutionary adaptation to specific host environmental factors, in addition to aspects of initial recognition, in host specificity. This work provides a foundation for future functional studies aimed at clarifying the roles of these proteins, and the possibility of manipulating them to improve management of these two economically important diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorghum anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum sublineolum is a serious disease in Brazil. The fungus is highly variable pathogenically with many physiological races. The present study was made to evaluate the usefulness of molecular methods (SDS-PAGE, RAPD, ARDRA and rDNA sequencing) for identifying C. sublineolum pathotypes isolated from sorghum. Although protein profile (SDS-PAGE) showed a relative low level of polymorphism, differences could be observed due to presence/absence of some polypeptides as well as to intensity of some bands among pathotypes. DNA profile of arbitrarily amplified sequences (RAPD) using sixteen random primers revealed a high degree of polymorphism while amplified rDNA (ITS region and 18S gene) digested with six different restriction enzymes (ARDRA) showed similar patterns. Nucleotide sequencing analysis of the complete ITS region and partial sequencing of 18S rRNA gene were useful for revealing genetic differences among the five pathotypes. In the present study, RAPD and rDNA sequencing were the most profitable methods for identifying C. sublineolum pathotypes.

Colletotrichum sublineola is an aggressive fungal pathogen that causes anthracnose in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. The obvious symptoms of anthracnose are leaf blight and stem rot. Sorghum, the fifth most widely grown cereal crop in the world, can be highly susceptible to the disease, most notably in hot and humid environments. In the southeastern United States the acreage of sorghum has been increasing steadily in recent years, spurred by growing interest in producing biofuels, bio-based products, and animal feed. Resistance to anthracnose is, therefore, of paramount importance for successful sorghum production in this region. To identify anthracnose resistance loci present in the highly resistant cultivar 'Bk7', a biparental mapping population of F3:4 and F4:5 sorghum lines was generated by crossing 'Bk7' with the susceptible inbred 'Early Hegari-Sart'. Lines were phenotyped in three environments and in two different years following natural infection. The population was genotyped by sequencing. Following a stringent custom filtering protocol, totals of 5186 and 2759 informative SNP markers were identified in the two populations. Segregation data and association analysis identified resistance loci on chromosomes 7 and 9, with the resistance alleles derived from 'Bk7'. Both loci contain multiple classes of defense-related genes based on sequence similarity and gene ontologies. Genetic analysis following an independent selection experiment of lines derived from a cross between 'Bk7' and sweet sorghum 'Mer81-4' narrowed the resistance locus on chromosome 9 substantially, validating this QTL. As observed in other species, sorghum appears to have regions of clustered resistance genes. Further characterization of these regions will facilitate the development of novel germplasm with resistance to anthracnose and other diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A half diallel mating design was used to study the inheritance of anthracnose and turcicum leaf blight ( TLB) in six sorghum cultivars. Applying pathogens inoculum separately and applying both pathogens simultaneously differently affected the reaction of each genotype. GA06/18 was resistant to both pathogens. GA06/106 x Epuripuri and MUC007/009 x Epuripuri showed high heterosis for resistance to both diseases indicating that they were good materials for sorghum breeding. Additive and non-additive (dominance) variance components were almost equally reflected by equal contribution of both variances towards the anthracnose resistance suggesting that both additive and dominance gene effects were involved in anthracnose resistance. Contribution of additive gene effects towards TLB resistance was greater than non-additive gene effects suggesting that additive gene effects were more important in controlling TLB resistance. This study highlighted that deployment of resistant varieties is the most cost effective way to manage both diseases especially when integrated with appropriate agronomy practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthracnose, caused by the hemiotrophic fungus Colletotrichum sublineolum, is one of the most important diseases affecting sorghum production worldwide. The main goal of this study was to select saprobe fungi from the semi-arid north-east of Brazil that could increase sorghum resistance to anthracnose and investigate this increased resistance at both physiological and biochemical levels. Plants were sprayed with Curvularia inaequalis, Gonytrichum macroladum, Memnoniella levispora, Pithomyces chartarum, Periconia hispidula, Phaeoisaria clematidia, Dictyochaeta heteroderae, Sarcopodium circinatum, Periconia byssoides, Moorella speciosa, Stachybotrys chartarum, Pseudobotrytis terrestres, Memnoniella echinata, Stachybotrys globosa and Gonytrichum clamydosporium 24 h before inoculation with C. sublineolum. Plants sprayed with water served as the control treatment. The area under the anthracnose progress curve was significantly reduced in comparison with the control treatment only for plants sprayed with C. inaequalis. Therefore, C. inaequalis was selected for physiological and biochemical evaluations. The peroxidases, chitinases and β-1,3-glucanases activities were significantly higher for plants sprayed with C. inaequalis and inoculated with C. sublineolum than for plants not sprayed with C. inaequalis and inoculated with C. sublineolum. There was no apparent decrease in the values of net carbon assimilation rate, stomatal conductance to water vapour or transpiration rate for plants sprayed with C. inaequalis and infected by C. sublineolum in comparison with plants not sprayed with C. inaequalis and infected by C. sublineolum. In conclusion, sorghum resistance against C. sublineolum infection was greatly potentiated by C. inaequalis without any apparent change in the photosynthetic capacity of the infected plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorghum anthracnose is one of the most important and destructive diseases of sorghum. Genetic resistance has been the most efficient strategy to control the disease, but the high variability of the pathogen population in Brazil has resulted in only modest efficacy. Accordingly, we investigated the variability of Colletotrichum sublineolum in response to sorghum populations with three levels of genetic diversity: pure stand, three-way hybrids and physical mixtures of three-way hybrids. Six plots of each treatment were planted in different areas and at different dates. A total of 480 isolates, that is 40 single-conidium isolates per plot, were collected from the field experiment to characterize the variability of the pathogen in each host population. Isolates were inoculated in a greenhouse on a differential line set composed of eight sorghum inbred lines. Our results reveal that the pathogen populations derived from three-way combinations had higher pathotype diversity than did those derived from pure stand host populations. More complexly, virulent phenotypes were also developed in genetically diverse stands compared to pure stand host populations. The diversification of the host population limits pathogen adaptation, thus resulting in a significantly higher number of pathotypes. The results of this study will improve the management of sorghum anthracnose in the field by helping sorghum breeders maintain disease resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorghum responds to the ingress of the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum sublineolum through the biosynthesis of 3-deoxyanthocyanidin phytoalexins at the site of primary infection. Biosynthesis of 3-deoxyanthocyanidins in sorghum requires a MYB transcription factor encoded by yellow seed1 (y1), an orthologue of the maize gene pericarp color1 (p1). Maize lines with a functional p1 and flavonoid structural genes do not produce foliar 3-deoxyanthocyanidins in response to fungal ingress. To perform a comparative metabolic analysis of sorghum and maize 3-deoxyanthocyanidin biosynthetic pathways, we developed transgenic maize lines expressing the sorghum y1 gene. In maize, the y1 transgene phenocopied p1-regulated pigment accumulation in the pericarp and cob glumes. LC-MS profiling of fungus-challenged Y1-maize leaves showed induction of 3-deoxyanthocyanidins, specifically luteolinidin. Y1-maize plants also induced constitutive and higher levels of flavonoids in leaves. In response to Colletotrichum graminicola, Y1-maize showed a resistance response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of genotype rotation as a sustainable management strategy for the control of foliar anthracnose of sorghum. Three grain sorghum hybrids, one susceptible (BR 304) and two resistant to anthracnose (1G150 and DAS740) were tested in continuous planting and genotype rotation during seven growing seasons. The area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) of sorghum anthracnose severity was significantly lower in the genotype rotation than in the continuous planting. The disease severity in the susceptible genotype BR 304 in rotation with the resistant genotypes 1G150 or DAS740 decreased about 42% and 70% respectively, compared to its continuous planting. A significant reduction of leaf blight disease severity caused by Exserohilum turcicum in DAS740 planted rotated with BR 304 was also observed. The grain yields of the three genotypes were significantly higher in the rotation system compared to continuous planting. The genotype rotation can be considered a practical management strategy for reducing the impact of anthracnose and other diseases in sorghum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthracnose ( Colletotrichum sublineolum) is one of the most destructive diseases of sorghum [ Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], affecting all aerial tissues of the plant. The most effective strategy for its control is the incorporation of resistance genes. The anthracnose resistance response present in the sorghum line SC112-14 ( Cs- SC112) was therefore studied against pathotypes from Puerto Rico, Texas, Arkansas, and Georgia using F2 progenies and recombinant inbred lines. The results show that a series of nearest single loci at the distal region of chromosome 5 control the resistance responses against pathotypes from Puerto Rico, Texas, and Arkansas. Resistance loci against pathotypes from Texas and Puerto Rico are tightly linked and flanked by simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers Ch5- 55.0 and Ch5- 56.1, while the resistance locus against pathotypes from Arkansas is 9.5 cM below SSR marker Ch5- 56.1. The resistance locus against pathotypes from Georgia is not located in the distal region of chromosome 5, and its location could not be determined. Comparative analysis confirmed that the region associated with these three loci is not associated with the anthracnose resistance locus Cg1, which was previously mapped in the distal region of the same chromosome. The dominant mode of action against pathotypes from Puerto Rico suggests that these resistances sources can be beneficial for sorghum hybrid production. The durability of anthracnose resistance in sorghum depends on the adequate use of multiple resistance sources. Thus, the knowledge and genetic markers developed herein provide tools to initiate the pyramiding of multiple anthracnose resistance loci through marker-assisted selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Anthracnose caused by the fungal pathogen Colletotrichum sublineolum is one of the most devastating diseases in sorghum. To better understand the molecular basis of sorghum–C. sublineolum interactions, a cDNA library enriched for defense response mRNAs was constructed by suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) of inoculated mesocotyl tissues of a resistant cultivar (cv. DK18) vs. non-inoculated samples. A total of forty pathogen-inducible genes involved in cell rescue and defense, signal transduction, abiotic stress, secondary metabolism and protein degradation were identified, implicating a complex defense response to the anthracnose pathogen. Gene expression analyses demonstrated that all the genes were induced by C. sublineolum and two non-host pathogens. However, the expression patterns of nineteen genes suggested that they are regulated differently during host and non-host defense responses in sorghum. Genes encoding an ABA-responsive protein, a leucine-rich repeat protein, a flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase and a glutathione S-transferase were induced in the resistant cultivar but their expression was hardly detected in susceptible plants, suggesting that they play significant roles in anthracnose resistance. This study provides an efficient resource for sorghum defense-related gene discovery that may further enhance the investigation of molecular mechanisms of defense responses in sorghum toward fungal pathogens. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The use of silicon (Si) in agriculture has attracted a great deal of interest from researchers because of the numerous benefits of this element to plants, especially when they are submitted to abiotic and/or biotic types of stress. The host's increased resistance to diseases, promoted by Si, is mainly associated with the deposition of this element in the tissues and the potentiation of defence mechanisms. However, the mechanisms involved in Si-mediated host resistance need to be further investigated. Thus, this study aimed to microscopically and biochemically elucidate the resistance of sorghum to anthracnose. In the leaves of plants supplied with Si, in addition to a greater deposition of Si at the infection sites, the acervuli were smaller in number compared to the leaves of plants not supplied with Si. Additionally, the activities of the defence enzymes peroxidases and polyphenoloxidases and the concentration of anthocyanins were higher in the leaves of plants supplied with Si. It can be concluded that Si, in addition to participate in the physical barrier that slows or prevents Colletotrichum sublineolum penetration in sorghum leaves, also plays a role in the biochemical aspect of sorghum resistance to anthracnose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To elucidate genetic mechanisms of host species specificity between graminicolous anthracnose fungi and gramineous plants, infection assays were performed with a Sorghum isolate (Colletotrichum sublineolum), a Digitaria isolate (C. hanaui), a Polypogon isolate (C. cereale), and an Avena isolate (C. cereale). They were specifically virulent on the plants from which they were isolated. When 72 wheat lines were inoculated with an unadapted isolate from Asia Minor bluegrass (Cgp29), however, some exceptional cultivars were recognized. Although most cultivars were resistant to Cgp29, 'Hope' was susceptible. In F2 populations derived from crosses between three resistant cultivars--'Norin 4' (N4), 'Chinese Spring' (CS), and 'Shin-chunaga' (Sch)--and the susceptible Hope, resistant and susceptible seedlings segregated in a 3:1 ratio, suggesting that a major gene is involved in the resistance of each cultivar to Cgp29. In F2 populations derived from crosses between the three resistant cultivars, all seedlings were resistant, suggesting that these three cultivars carry the same gene. This resistance gene was designated as "resistance to Colletotrichum cereale 1" (Rcc1). Analysis with the CS-Hope chromosome substitution lines and molecular mapping revealed that Rcc1 was located on the long arm of chromosome 5A. Cytologically, Rcc1 was mainly associated with hypersensitive reaction. These results suggest that major genes similar to those controlling cultivar specificity are involved in the resistance of wheat against the unadapted isolate of C. cereale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthracnose in sorghum caused by Colletotrichum sublineolum is one of the most destructive diseases affecting sorghum production under warm and humid conditions. Markers and genes linked to resistance to the disease are important for plant breeding. Using 14,739 SNP markers, we have mapped eight loci linked to resistance in sorghum through association analysis of a sorghum mini-core collection consisting of 242 diverse accessions evaluated for anthracnose resistance for 2 years in the field. The mini-core was representative of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics' world-wide sorghum landrace collection. Eight marker loci were associated with anthracnose resistance in both years. Except locus 8, disease resistance-related genes were found in all loci based on their physical distance from linked SNP markers. These include two NB-ARC class of R genes on chromosome 10 that were partially homologous to the rice blast resistance gene Pib, two hypersensitive response-related genes: autophagy-related protein 3 on chromosome 1 and 4 harpin-induced 1 ( Hin1) homologs on chromosome 8, a RAV transcription factor that is also part of R gene pathway, an oxysterol-binding protein that functions in the non-specific host resistance, and homologs of menthone:neomenthol reductase ( MNR) that catalyzes a menthone reduction to produce the antimicrobial neomenthol. These genes and markers may be developed into molecular tools for genetic improvement of anthracnose resistance in sorghum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of silicon ( Si) and its interaction with fungicide on the management of sorghum anthracnose. The experiments were carried out in Si-deficient soil in the 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 growing seasons in a randomized, complete block, split-split plot design with four replications. Calcium silicate ( CS) and lime ( L), at the rates of 6 and 5 ton/ha, respectively, were randomly assigned to the main plot. Two sorghum lines, BR-008 (resistant) and BR-009 (susceptible), were assigned to the split plots. The split-split plots corresponded to with or without the fungicide Opera® (epoxiconazole + pyraclostrobin). The residual effect of CS and L from the 2008/2009 growing season was evaluated in the 2009/2010 growing season. For the 2008/2009 growing season, the area under anthracnose progress curve ( AUAPC) was reduced by 39 and 42% for lines BR-008 and BR-009, respectively, with the application of CS. In the presence of the fungicide, the AUAPC was reduced by 35 and 42% for the CS and L treatments, respectively. Calcium silicate with and without fungicide contributed to decreasing the AUAPC by 44 and 37%, respectively. The fungicide spray decreased the AUAPC by 50 and 39% for lines BR-008 and BR-009, respectively. Without fungicide, the AUAPC decreased by 88% for line BR-008 compared with line BR-009; however, with fungicide, the reduction reached 90%. The Si leaf tissue concentration significantly increased with the CS application (5.9 g/kg) compared with the L application (0.3 g/kg), regardless of the sorghum line. The yield increased by 0.6 ton/ha with the CS compared to the L application. The fungicide increased yield by 0.48 ton/ha compared with the non-fungicide spray treatment. The residual effect of CS in the soil increased Si leaf tissue concentration and yield as well as reduced the intensity of anthracnose in the 2009/2010 growing season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the economic importance of anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum sublineolum, and silicon (Si) to enhance sorghum resistance against this disease, this study aimed to investigate the effect of this element on leaf gas exchange and also the antioxidative system when infected by C. sublineolum. Plants from sorghum line CMSXSI42 (BR 009 [Tx623] - Texas), growing in hydroponic culture with (+Si, 2 mM) or without (-Si) Si, were inoculated with C. sublineolum. Disease severity was assessed at 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 days after inoculation (dai) and data were used to calculate the area under anthracnose progress curve (AUAPC). Further, the net carbon assimilation rate (A), stomatal conductance to water vapor (gs), internal-to-ambient CO2 concentration ratio (CI/Ca,), and transpiration rate (E); the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and glutathione reductase (GR); the electrolyte leakage (EL), and the concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined. The AUAPC was reduced by 86% for the +Si plants compared with the -Si plants. The values of A, &, and E were lower upon inoculation of-Si plants in contrast to inoculated +Si plants with decreases of 3l and 60% for A, 34 and 61% for &, and 27 and 57% for E, respectively, at 4 and 8 dai. For the noninoculated plants, there was no significant difference between the -Si and +Si treatments for the values of A, gs, and E. The Ci/Ca, ratio was similar between the -Si and +Si treatments, regardless of the pathogen inoculation. The activities of SOD, CAT. APX, and GR tended to be higher in the +Si plants compared with the -Si plants upon inoculation with C. sublineolum. The EL significantly increased for -Si plants compared with +Si plants. The MDA concentration significantly increased by 31 and 38% at 4 and 8 dai, respectively, for the -Si plants compared with the +Si plants. Based on these results, Si may have a positive effect on sorghum physiology when infected by C. sublineolum through the maintenance of carbon fixation and also by enhancing the antioxidant system, which resulted in an increase in reactive oxygen species scavenging and, ultimately, reduced damage to the cell membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor [L.] Moench) germplasm from Mali is an important source of anthracnose resistance, and 59 accessions from the Segou region were inoculated with Colletotrichum sublineolum and evaluated for anthracnose resistance to determine the prevalence of resistant accessions from this region. Disease evaluations were conducted at the Tropical Agriculture Research Station in Isabela, Puerto Rico, during the 2005 and 2009 growing seasons. Twenty-one accessions were rated as resistant across replications and growing seasons and showed reddening of inoculated leaves without acervuli development. These accessions represent new sources of anthracnose resistance for sorghum improvement. Fewer accessions were rated as resistant from the drier, northern Niono district as compared to the San and Segou districts that receive greater annual rainfall, suggesting an ecogeographic association. Additionally, susceptible accessions from the Niono district frequently showed higher mean disease severities than susceptible accessions from the San and Segou districts. Accessions classified as race guinea were more frequently rated as resistant compared to race durra accessions. Mean disease severities were also significantly lower for race guinea accessions. The majority of accessions in the collection were race guinea with most durra accessions collected from the Niono district. However, the frequency of resistant guinea accessions was similar across districts. These results indicate ecogeographic origin and race classification could be used to select accessions for anthracnose screening and to identify regions where resistance is more prevalent for the acquisition of additional anthracnose-resistant germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The aim of this work was to identify plant resistance genes to the sorghum anthracnose fungus Colletotrichum sublineolum. cDNA-AFLP transcript profiling on two contrasting sorghum genotypes inoculated with C. sublineolum generated about 3,000 informative fragments. In a final set of 126 sequenced genes, 15 were identified as biotic stress related. Seven of the plant-derived genes were selected for functional analysis using a Brome mosaic virus-based virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) system followed by fungal inoculation and quantitative real-time PCR analysis. The candidate set comprised genes encoding resistance proteins ( Cs1A, Cs2A), a lipid transfer protein ( SbLTP1), a zinc finger-like transcription factor ( SbZnTF1), a rice defensin-like homolog ( SbDEFL1), a cell death related protein ( SbCDL1), and an unknown gene harboring a casein kinase 2-like domain ( SbCK2). Our results demonstrate that down-regulation of Cs1A, Cs2A, SbLTP1, SbZnF1 and SbCD1 via VIGS, significantly compromised the resistance response while milder effects were observed with SbDEFL1 and SbCK2. Expanded genome analysis revealed that Cs1A and Cs2A genes are located in two different loci on chromosome 9 closely linked with duplicated genes Cs1B and Cs2B, respectively. The nucleotide binding-leucine rich repeat (NB-LRR) encoding Cs gene sequence information is presently employed in regional breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was carried out to investigate the inheritance of resistance to anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum sublineolum, in sorghum. Crosses between resistant and susceptible parents and backcrosses between F1 plants and the susceptible parents were carried out under field conditions. The F1 generations and the segregant populations were evaluated under artificial inoculation conditions in the greenhouse. In the F1 generation of all crosses with the respective isolates, all of the plants presented a resistance reaction except for the F1 plants resulting from the BR009 × SC283 cross. In the F2 generation, the frequencies of resistant and susceptible plants conformed to the hypothesis that one gene with two alleles controls host resistance, except in one cross. Out of the eight backcrosses, six presented segregation that corresponded to the hypothesis formulated. For most crosses, resistance was dominant, and the proportions of resistant and susceptible plants in the segregant populations conformed to the frequencies expected under the hypothesis of gene-for-gene resistance and dominant gene action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isolates of Colletotrichum sublineolum were collected from different sorghum-producing regions of Ethiopia and divided into five groups based on their geographic origin. The growth rate of 50 isolates showed considerable variation: 1·7-5·8 mm day, mean 3·3 mm day. However, the isolates displayed little variation in colony colour and colony margin, except for isolates from the north, which were different from the others. Amplified fragment length polymorphism analysis of 102 isolates revealed much greater variations among the different groups. Dice similarity coefficients ranged from 0·32 to 0·96 (mean 0·78). Cluster analysis and principal coordinate analysis revealed a differentiation of the isolates according to their geographic origin, and both methods clearly indicated a genetic separation between the southern, the eastern and the other isolates. Analysis of molecular variance () indicated a high level of genetic variation both among (42%) and within (58%) the C. sublineolum sampling sites in Ethiopia. The also indicated a high level of genetic differentiation ( F = 0·42) and limited gene flow ( Nm = 0·343). The results of this study confirmed the presence of a highly diverse pathogen, which is in agreement with the existence of diverse host genotypes and widely ranging environmental conditions in sorghum-producing regions of the country. Such diversity should be taken into account in future breeding programmes to achieve an effective and sustainable disease management strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]