Root Exudates From Eucalyptus calophylla R.Br. And Eucalyptus marginata Donn. ex Sm. Seedlings and Their Effect on Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands

Abstract

Root exudates from seedling eucalypts were collected aseptically, analysed for sugars, amino acids and organic acids and an examination made of their effect on zoospore chemotaxis, mycelium growth and chlamydospore germination of Phytophthora cinnamomi. Seedlings of root-rot susceptible Eucalyptus marginata produced greater concentrations of sugar and amino acid exudates than the root-rot resistant Eucalyptus calophylla at all sampling times. There was, however, little qualitative difference between the eucalypt root exudates. Both eucalypts attracted zoospores to roots in culture tubes. Infection of the roots followed encystment and germination of the zoospores. Germination of chlamydospores and mycelium growth of P.cinnamomi was significantly increased by the presence of root exudates and no differences were observed between exudates of the two species. Only amino acids and organic acids stimulated germination of chlamydospores. It was concluded that differences in root-rot susceptibility of eucalypts to P.cinnamomi are not attributable to differences in root exudate from eucalypt seedlings.