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3 years ago in Biology , Plant Pathology By Pragya

How does Bipolaris sorokiana affect wheat and spread within the plant?

I'm studying spot blotch disease in wheat, caused by B. sorokiniana, for my PhD. While I understand it causes lesions, I'm trying to piece together a clearer picture of its precise mode of penetration, how it navigates through plant tissues, and the timeline of systemic spread. This granular understanding is crucial for targeting intervention strategies.

 

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By Adi Answered 2 years ago

Having worked with this pathogen, I've seen its aggressive nature firsthand. B. sorokiniana typically penetrates wheat leaves directly through the epidermis or via stomata, secreting cell wall-degrading enzymes. Once inside, it grows intercellularly, spreading through the mesophyll and vascular tissues. The dark lesions are a result of both fungal growth and host defense responses. Importantly, it can spread systemically via the xylem, leading to root and crown rot. Its success lies in a combination of necrotrophic killing and subtle manipulation of host physiology before visible symptoms even appear.

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