Potential of transmission of Pyricularia graminis-tritici from plant to seed and from seed to seedling in wheat genotypes with different degrees of blast resistance

Abstract

Abstract: Transmission studies of Pyricularia graminis-tritici by wheat seed can help establishing pathogen tolerance standards in crops. Four genotypes, each one with different responses to blast, were inoculated with five volumes of fungal suspension (1,5x105 spores.mL-1), in order to obtain 0, 5, 10, 20 and 30% of plants inoculated in the experimental unit. The potential of transmission of P. graminis-tritici from plant to seed was evaluated by the incidence of the fungus in the seeds produced. Under controlled conditions, the transmission rate of the fungus from seed to seedling was evaluated. Blast incidence in field allowed a high incidence of P. graminis-tritici in the seeds, especially in the genotypes considered susceptible. The transmission of fungus from the seeds to seedlings occurred 7, 14 and 21 days after sowing, at low rates. There was a relationship between the presence of blast in field and the incidence of P. graminis-tritici in seeds produced by the genotypes BRS 264, VI 98053, CD 116 and CD 104. Inoculation of 5, 10, 20 and 30% of plants with fungus can generate a high incidence of the pathogen in field and in the seeds produced, but it doesn`t guarantee a high transmission rate from seed to seedling, which is low under controlled conditions.