Participation of ferulic acid in elicitation of winter wheat plants resistance against Septoria tritici infection

Abstract

Aim. The usage of biotic elicitors for elicitation of defense responses may induce plant disease resistance and prevent increased environmental pollution by pesticides. The aim of research was to analyze in field trials participation of ferulic acid in elicitation of winter wheat resistance against Septoria tritici blotch agent. Methods. Content of endogenous H2O2, peroxidase, catalase and ascorbatperoxidase activities were measured in elicitor-treated and inoculated by S. tritici blotch winter wheat plants (cv. Poliska 90) during different ontogenesis phases. The extent of disease development, morphometric parameters and yield structure were analyzed. Results. The data obtained suggest that ferulic acid induced defense responses in winter wheat against S. tritici blotch agent. Initiation of defense responses in elicitor-treated plants occurred shortly. Hydrogen peroxide content was enhanced in elicitor-treated plants. Conclusions. Ferulic acid could be used as biotic elicitor. It increased the wheat grain quantity. Elicitation of biochemical nature of induced defense responses revealed increased peroxidase activities for lignin biosynthesis and mechanical strengthening of the plant cell walls. Keywords: winter wheat, biotic elicitors, induced resistance, ferulic acid, Triticum aestivum L., Septoria tritici.