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Kinetics and Histopathology of the Cacao-Ceratocystis cacaofunesta Interaction

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Abstract

Theobroma cacao L., the chocolate tree, is an important tropical tree-crop that provides sustainable economic and environmental benefits to some of the poorest and most ecologically sensitive areas of the world. Ceratocystis wilt (CW), caused by the fungus Ceratocystis cacaofunesta, is a highly dangerous disease capable of killing the cacao plant. Histopathological studies of the host–pathogen interaction are an effective resource to study pathogenesis which will ultimately lead to a better elucidation of the mechanisms of host resistance. We analyzed the development of C. cacaofunesta reproductive structures, the pattern of fungal colonization and the anatomical responses of cacao resistant (TSH 1188) and susceptible (CCN 51) genotypes to CW. Results showed that conidia germination started within 4 h after inoculation (hai) in agar, by 12 hai conidia germination was 80 %. The resistant genotype showed little or no fungal colonization compared to the susceptible genotype. Host reactions were characterized by greater quantities of gels, gums and tyloses in the susceptible genotypes compared to the resistant. The susceptible genotype had a large number of cells surrounding the xylem vessels that were infused with dark brown phenolic compounds. The host defense reaction observed near the xylem in the resistant genotype, suggest that a mechanism involved with resistance to C. cacaofunesta.

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Acknowledgments

We thank Mariana Rocha and Dayse Santana for help in some stages of this work. This research was also supported by CNPq, Capes and the Cacao Research Center. Rogério M. F. Santos (Ph.D. Student) was granted by the Capes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cacao Research Center, CEPLAC/CEPEC, 45600-970, Itabuna, BA, Brazil

    Rogério Mercês Ferreira Santos, Stela Dalva Vieira Midlej Silva, Kaleandra Sena & Karina Peres Gramacho

  2. UESC, Centro de Biotecnologia e Genética, Rodovia Ilhéus-Itabuna Km 16, 45662-900, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil

    Rogério Mercês Ferreira Santos & Fabienne Micheli

  3. CIRAD, UMR AGAP, 34398, Montpellier, France

    Fabienne Micheli

Authors
  1. Rogério Mercês Ferreira Santos
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  2. Stela Dalva Vieira Midlej Silva
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  3. Kaleandra Sena
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  4. Fabienne Micheli
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  5. Karina Peres Gramacho
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Karina Peres Gramacho.

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Communicated by: Luiz Vieira

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Santos, R.M.F., Silva, S.D.V.M., Sena, K. et al. Kinetics and Histopathology of the Cacao-Ceratocystis cacaofunesta Interaction. Tropical Plant Biol. 6, 37–45 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12042-012-9115-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12042-012-9115-8

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