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Nitrogen and carbon dynamics of a foliar biotrophic fungal parasite in fertilized Douglas-fir
• We investigated the nutritional dynamics of Phaeocryptopus gaeumannii and the impact of nitrogen (N) fertilization of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) on the production of P. gaeumannii fungal fruiting bodies. Emergence of P. gaeumannii fungal fruiting bodies (pseudothecia) in Douglas-fir stoma...
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Published in: | The New phytologist 2004-07, Vol.163 (1), p.139-147 |
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Main Authors: | , , , |
Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Subjects: | |
Citations: | Items that this one cites Items that cite this one |
Online Access: | Get full text |
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Summary: | • We investigated the nutritional dynamics of Phaeocryptopus gaeumannii and the impact of nitrogen (N) fertilization of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) on the production of P. gaeumannii fungal fruiting bodies. Emergence of P. gaeumannii fungal fruiting bodies (pseudothecia) in Douglas-fir stomata has been directly linked to premature needle loss, a symptom of Swiss needle cast disease. • Douglas-fir trees (10-yr-old) naturally infected with P. gaeumannii were treated with soil applications of N fertilizer isotopically enriched with 15 N to increase foliar N and track the movement of N from the host to the fungus. Foliar N, free amino acids, percent of stomata occluded by pseudothecia, N isotope and carbon (C) isotope levels were assessed on treated and control trees. • Higher foliar N resulted in increased %N and %C in P. gaeumannii, as well as increased fungal fruiting and thus disease severity. Comparisons of δ 15 N levels between P. gaeumannii pseudothecia and associated needles indicated an increase in δ 15 N of needles and a simultaneous decline in δ 15 N of pseudothecia coupled with increased levels of foliar and fungal percentage N. • These findings confirm that P. gaeumannii responds to host nutrient status and that increased N availability inside Douglas-fir needles is linked to increased severity of Swiss needle cast disease. |
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ISSN: | 0028-646X 1469-8137 |
DOI: | 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2004.01102.x |