Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Growth and physiological responses of Hevea brasiliensis to Rigidoporus microporus infection

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Journal of Rubber Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) is susceptible to attack by various fungal pathogens with Rigidoporus microporus being one of the most harmful. This fungus causes white root disease in rubber trees which can potentially lead to massive tree losses if left untreated. Loss of tappable trees ultimately results in reduced land productivity (kg/ha/year) in terms of latex yield. The management of this disease is challenging due to the below-ground nature of this disease making early detection difficult. This study investigated the effects of R. microporus infection on plant growth (plant diameter and root weight) and leaf gas exchange parameters and attempted to identify characters associated with below-ground disease progression. Seedlings were laid out in completely randomised design in greenhouse and artificially inoculated with R. microporus. Disease severity based on foliar and root symptoms as well as plant growth measurements were conducted monthly for six months while leaf gas exchange parameters were recorded at zero, three and six months after inoculation (mai). Significant differences in plant growth between healthy and inoculated plants were identified two mai in terms of plant diameter and five mai in terms of root weight. Significant difference in leaf gas exchange parameters were detected as early as three mai. Net CO2 assimilation rate (A) and stomatal conductance to water vapour (gs) both showed highly significant negative correlation with root disease severity index (%). This strong correlation suggests the potential of A and gs to be used as early indicators for H. brasiliensis white root disease infection.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Andrew B, Ahmad K, Ismail SI et al (2021) Disease prevalence and molecular characterisation of Rigidoporus microporus associated with white root rot disease of rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis) in Malaysia. J Rubber Res 24:175–186. https://doi.org/10.1007/s42464-021-00083-x

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Oghenekaro AO, Kovalchuk A, Raffaello T et al (2020) Genome sequencing of Rigidoporus microporus provides insights on genes important for wood decay, latex tolerance and interspecific fungal interactions. Sci Rep 10:1–15. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-62150-4

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Gilbert GS, Gorospe J, Ryvarden L (2008) Host and habitat preferences of polypore fungi in Micronesian tropical flooded forests. Mycol Res 112:674–680. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mycres.2007.11.009

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Madushani HKI, Fernando THPS, Wijesundara RLC, Siriwardane D (2013) Isolation of Rigidoporus microporus, the cause of WRD of rubber, from some forenst associated plants. In: Proceedings of the International Forestry and Environment Symposium

  5. Rubber Research Institute Malaysia (1974) Root diseases of Hevea. Plant Bull Rubber Reseach Inst Malaysia 133:109–110

  6. Maiden NA, Noran AS, Ahmad Fauzi MAF, Atan S (2017) Screening and characterisation of chitinolytic microorganisms with potential to control white root disease of Hevea brasiliensis. J Rubber Res 20:182–202. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf03449151

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Guyot J, Flori A (2002) Comparative study for detecting Rigidoporus lignosus on rubber trees. Crop Prot 21:461–466. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0261-2194(01)00132-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Atan S, Derapi S, Ismail L, Ab Shukor NA (2011) Screening susceptibility of Hevea progenies from PB 5/51 x IAN 873 to two races of Corynespora cassiicola. J Rubber Res 14:110–122

    Google Scholar 

  9. Oghenekaro AO, Raffaello T, Kovalchuk A, Asiegbu FO (2016) De novo transcriptomic assembly and profiling of Rigidoporus microporus during saprotrophic growth on rubber wood. BMC Genom. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12864-016-2574-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Oghenekaro AO, Omorusi VI, Asiegbu FO (2016) Defence-related gene expression of Hevea brasiliensis clones in response to the white rot pathogen, Rigidoporus microporus. For Pathol 46:318–326. https://doi.org/10.1111/efp.12260

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Sangsil P, Nualsri C, Woraathasin N, Nakkanong K (2016) Characterization of the phenylalanine ammonia lyase gene from the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis Müll. Arg.) and differential response during Rigidoporus microporus infection. J Plant Prot Res 56:380–388. https://doi.org/10.1515/jppr-2016-0056

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Syafaah A, Woraathakorn N, Plodpai P et al (2020) Comparative growth performance and activity of defense related enzymes and gene expression in rubber clones against rigidoporus microporus infection. Pakistan J Biotechnol 17:161–172. https://doi.org/10.34016/PJBT.2020.17.3.161

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Siddiqui N, Middleton C, Ribeiro C et al (2017) Gel-based proteomic study for differential expression of Hevea brasiliensis root proteins in response to infection by soil fungus Rigidoporus microporus. Acta Hortic 1152:229–234. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2017.1152.31

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Fisol AFBC, Saidi NB, Al-Obaidi JR et al (2021) Differential analysis of mycelial proteins and metabolites from Rigidoporus microporus during in vitro interaction with Hevea brasiliensis. Microb Ecol. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00248-021-01757-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Tatagiba SD, Damatta FM, Rodrigues FÁ (2015) Leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence imaging of rice leaves infected with Monographella albescens. Phytopathology 105:180–188. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-04-14-0097-R

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Dallagnol LJ, Rodrigues FA, Martins SCV et al (2011) Alterations on rice leaf physiology during infection by Bipolaris oryzae. Australas Plant Pathol 40:360–365. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13313-011-0048-8

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Debona D, Rodrigues FÁ, Rios JA et al (2014) Limitations to photosynthesis in leaves of wheat plants infected by Pyricularia oryzae. Phytopathology 104:34–39. https://doi.org/10.1094/PHYTO-01-13-0024-R

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Maqsood A, Wu H, Kamran M et al (2020) Variations in growth, physiology, and antioxidative defense responses of two tomato (Solanum lycopersicum l.) cultivars after co-infection of fusarium oxysporum and meloidogyne incognita. Agronomy. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10020159

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Gortari F, Guiamet JJ, Graciano C (2018) Plant–pathogen interactions: leaf physiology alterations in poplars infected with rust (Melampsora medusae). Tree Physiol 38:925–935. https://doi.org/10.1093/treephys/tpx174

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Rodrigues FÁ, Rios JA, Debona D, Aucique-Pérez CE (2017) Pyricularia oryzae-wheat interaction: physiological changes and disease management using mineral nutrition and fungicides. Trop Plant Pathol 42:223–229. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40858-017-0130-z

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Campos LJM, de Almeida REM, da Silva DD et al (2021) Physiological and biophysical alterations in maize plants caused by Colletotrichum graminicola infection verified by OJIP study. Trop Plant Pathol 2021:1–10. https://doi.org/10.1007/S40858-021-00465-X

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Kumar A, Guha A, Bimolata W et al (2013) Leaf gas exchange physiology in rice genotypes infected with bacterial blight: an attempt to link photosynthesis with disease severity and rice yield. AJCS 7:32–39

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Martínez-Ferri E, Zumaquero A, Ariza M et al (2016) Nondestructive detection of white root rot disease in avocado rootstocks by leaf chlorophyll fluorescence. Plant Dis 100:49–58. https://doi.org/10.1094/pdis-01-15-0062-re

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Kthiri Z, Ben JM, Chairi F et al (2021) Exploring the potential of Meyerozyma guilliermondii on physiological performances and defense response against Fusarium crown rot on durum wheat. Pathogens 10:52. https://doi.org/10.3390/PATHOGENS10010052

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Clemenz C, Fleischmann F, Häberle K-H et al (2008) Photosynthetic and leaf water potential responses of Alnus glutinosa saplings to stem-base inoculaton with Phytophthora alni subsp. alni. Tree Physiol 28:1703–1711. https://doi.org/10.1093/TREEPHYS/28.11.1703

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Fleischmann F, Schneider D, Matyssek R, Oßwald WF (2002) Investigations on net CO2 assimilation, transpiration and root growth of Fagus sylvatica infested with four different Phytophthora species. Plant Biol 4:144–152. https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2002-25728

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Fleischmann F, Koehl J, Portz R et al (2005) Physiological changes of Fagus sylvatica seedlings infected with Phytophthora citricola and the contribution of its Elicitin “Citricolin” to pathogenesis. Plant Biol 7:650–658. https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2005-872891

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Reeksting BJ, Taylor NJ, van den Berg N (2014) Flooding and Phytophthora cinnamomi: effects on photosynthesis and chlorophyll fluorescence in shoots of non-grafted Persea americana (Mill.) rootstocks differing in tolerance to Phytophthora root rot. South African J Bot 95:40–53. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.SAJB.2014.08.004

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  29. Sterling A, Melgarejo LM (2018) Leaf gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence in Hevea brasiliensis in response to Pseudocercospora ulei infection. Physiol Mol Plant Pathol 103:143–150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmpp.2018.07.006

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  30. Chiang KS, Liu HI, Bock CH (2017) A discussion on disease severity index values. Part I: warning on inherent errors and suggestions to maximise accuracy. Ann Appl Biol 171:139–154. https://doi.org/10.1111/AAB.12362

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Seethepalli A, Dhakal K, Griffiths M et al (2021) RhizoVision Explorer: open-source software for root image analysis and measurement standardization. AoB Plants. https://doi.org/10.1093/aobpla/plab056

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Wattanasilakorn S, Sdoodee S, Nualsri C et al (2017) Assessment of rubber clonal rootstocks for the tolerance of white root disease (Rigidoporus microporus) in Southern Thailand. Walailak J Sci Technol 14:549–561. https://doi.org/10.1445/vol14iss9pp

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Nakaew N, Rangjaroen C, Sungthong R (2015) Utilization of rhizospheric Streptomyces for biological control of Rigidoporus sp. causing white root disease in rubber tree. Eur J Plant Pathol 142:93–105. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10658-015-0592-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Nicole M, Geiger JP, Nandris D (1986) Penetration and degradation of suberized cells of Hevea brasiliensis infected with root rot fungi. Physiol Mol Plant Pathol 28:181–185. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0048-4059(86)80062-5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Geiger JP, Nicole M, Rio B (1985) The aggression of Hevea brasiliensis by Rigidoporus lignosus and Phellinus noxius: some biochemical events. Eur J For Pathol 15:316–319. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0329.1985.tb01105.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Geiger J-P, Nicole M, Nandris D, Rio B (1986) Root rot diseases of Hevea brasiliensis: I. Physiological and biochemical aspects of host aggression. Eur J For Pathol 16:22–37. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0329.1986.tb01049.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Karumamkandathil R, Uthup TK, Sankaran S et al (2014) Genetic and epigenetic uniformity of polyembryony derived multiple seedlings of Hevea brasiliensis. Protoplasma 2523(252):783–796. https://doi.org/10.1007/S00709-014-0713-1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Adifaiz AF, Maiden NA, Nusaibah SA et al (2021) Genetic variability and association of characters in the 1995 RRIM Hevea germplasm core collection for yield improvement. J Rubber Res 243(24):415–422. https://doi.org/10.1007/S42464-021-00110-X

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Adifaiz AF, Maiden NA, Aizat Shamin N et al (2018) Genetic diversity of the 1995 RRIM hevea germplasm collection for utilisation in the rubber breeding programme. J Rubber Res 212(21):153–164. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03449167

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Cacique IS, Pinto LFCC, Aucique-Pérez CE et al (2020) Physiological and biochemical insights into the basal level of resistance of two maize hybrids in response to Fusarium verticillioides infection. Plant Physiol Biochem 152:194–210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plaphy.2020.04.036

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  41. Bispo WMdaS, Araujo L, Moreira WR et al (2016) Differential leaf gas exchange performance of mango cultivars infected by different isolates of Ceratocystis fimbriata. Sci Agric 73:150–158. https://doi.org/10.1590/0103-9016-2015-0022

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  42. Wang M, Sun Y, Sun G et al (2015) Water balance altered in cucumber plants infected with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cucumerinum. Sci Rep 51(5):1–7. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep07722

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  43. da Silva AC, de Oliveira Silva FM, Milagre JC et al (2018) Eucalypt plants are physiologically and metabolically affected by infection with Ceratocystis fimbriata. Plant Physiol Biochem 123:170–179. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PLAPHY.2017.12.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Nogués S, Cotxarrera L, Alegre L, Trillas MI (2002) Limitations to photosynthesis in tomato leaves induced by Fusarium wilt. New Phytol 154:461–470. https://doi.org/10.1046/J.1469-8137.2002.00379.X

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Medrano H, Tomás M, Martorell S et al (2015) From leaf to whole-plant water use efficiency (WUE) in complex canopies: limitations of leaf WUE as a selection target. Crop J 3:220–228. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.CJ.2015.04.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Amaral J, Correia B, António C et al (2019) Pinus susceptibility to pitch canker triggers specific physiological responses in symptomatic plants: an integrated approach. Front Plant Sci 10:1–16. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2019.00509

    Article  Google Scholar 

  47. Tian Y, Zhao Y, Zhang L et al (2018) Morphological, physiological, and biochemical responses of two tea cultivars to Empoasca onukii (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) infestation. J Econ Entomol 111:899–908. https://doi.org/10.1093/jee/toy011

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  48. Brummer M, Arend M, Fromm J et al (2002) Ultrastructural changes and immunocytochemical localization of the elicitin quercinin in Quercus robur L. roots infected with Phytophthora quercina. Physiol Mol Plant Pathol 61:109–120. https://doi.org/10.1006/PMPP.2002.0419

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the MRB for providing equipment and facilities for this study. They would also like to express appreciation towards the members of the Production Development Division of the MRB, especially the Integrated Pest and Disease Management Unit and the Genetic Resources and Improvement Team for their assistance throughout the course of this study. Additionally, the authors are very grateful for the technical assistance provided by Dr. Zulkarami Berahim and Puan Nik Amelia Nik Mustapha from the Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security, Universiti Putra Malaysia.

Funding

This research was funded by Putra IPB research grant (Grant No. GP-IPB/2017/9523500), Universiti Putra Malaysia.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Production Development Division, Malaysian Rubber Board, Sungai Buloh, 47000, Selangor, Malaysia

    N. A. Maiden & S. Atan

  2. Institute of Plantation Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia

    N. A. Maiden & M. Y. Wong

  3. Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang, 43400, Selangor, Malaysia

    N. Syd Ali, K. Ahmad & M. Y. Wong

Authors
  1. N. A. Maiden
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. N. Syd Ali
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. K. Ahmad
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. S. Atan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. M. Y. Wong
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to M. Y. Wong.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare that are relevant to the content of this article.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Maiden, N.A., Syd Ali, N., Ahmad, K. et al. Growth and physiological responses of Hevea brasiliensis to Rigidoporus microporus infection. J Rubber Res 25, 213–221 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42464-022-00156-5

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42464-022-00156-5

Keywords

Search

Navigation