Pathways of infection for Phytophthora ramorum in rhododendron

Abstract

The lack of knowledge regarding infection biology of Phytophthora ramorum limits our understanding of its ecology and epidemiology. Pathways of infection in Rhododendron 'Nova Zembla' were investigated using tissue culture plantlets and 3-year-old container plants inoculated with zoospore suspensions (6 x 104 zoospores mL^-1) or mycelial plugs of Oregon nursery isolate 03-74-N11A. The histology of inoculated roots, stems and leaf surfaces was evaluated to identify pathways by which P. ramorum infects and colonizes plants. To observe infection, inoculated roots, stems, and leaves were examined by means of epi-fluorescence, scanning electron and scanning laser confocal microscopy.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the sudden oak death second science symposium: the state of our knowledge

Citation

Lewis, Carrie D.; Parke, Jennifer L. 2006. Pathways of infection for Phytophthora ramorum in rhododendron. In: Frankel, Susan J.; Shea, Patrick J.; and Haverty, Michael I., tech. coords. Proceedings of the sudden oak death second science symposium: the state of our knowledge. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-196. Albany, CA: Pacific Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture: 295-297