Responses of resistant and susceptible hybrid clones of Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus grandis to infection by Ceratocystis fimbriata

Key message A histopathological study using one resistant and one susceptible clone ofEucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus grandishybrid showed that the colonization ofCeratocystis fimbriatawas limited by rapid and intense host defense responses such as closure of the vessel pits; formation of tyloses and gels; accumulation of amorphous material, starch, phenolic compounds, and calcium oxalate; and tissue lignification. The defense mechanisms of the resistant clone were not lethal to the pathogen because the fungus was reisolated from the diseased tissue. Context The use of resistant genotypes of eucalypt is widely used to control Ceratocystis wilt caused by Ceratocystis fimbriata. However, little is known regarding the fungal infection process and the host defense responses. Aims Thus, the objectives of this study were to compare the histopathological responses of one resistant and one susceptible clone of Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus grandis to artificial inoculation with C. fimbriata and to identify possible host defense responses against fungal infection. Methods Fungal colonization was analyzed by light and scanning electron microscopy. The host defense responses to artificial fungal inoculation were evaluated through histochemical analysis and determining of the lignin concentration and lesion lengths, whereas the pathogen viability was confirmed by reisolations. Results Both tested clones showed similar responses against fungal infection but presented defense responses with different speeds and intensities. Fungal colonization was not restricted in the tissue of plants from the susceptible clone, whereas in the resistant clone, fungal colonization was limited to the xylem vessels and parenchyma around the vessels due to closure of the vessel pits; intense formation of tyloses and gels; accumulation of amorphous material, starch, phenolic compounds, and calcium oxalate; and tissue lignification. However, the fungus was reisolated from the inoculated tissues of both clones. Conclusion The resistance of eucalypt cuttings was found to be based on the rapid and intense defense responses shaped by biochemical and structural mechanisms that contained fungal colonization in the xylem vessels and parenchyma tissues.