Abstract In breeding for resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB) there should be precise differentiation between QTL for resistance and those for spike architecture traits that indirectly affect disease. QTL mapping for FHB Type II resistance and spike architecture traits was carried out in a population of 80 RIL. Three QTL for FHB Type II resistance were identified respectively on chromosomes 2A, 4A and 6D, the last of which is reported here for the first time. The number of florets per spike and per spikelet was associated with FHB Type II resistance but there was not co-localization between QTL for these traits. However, QTL for number of spikelets per spike overlapped with those for FHB Type II resistance on chromosomes 2A and 6D. Spike architecture traits - notably, the number of florets per spike and per spikelet - should be considered in the design of breeding strategies to increase Type II resistance to FHB in bread wheat.

The aims of the paper were to determine the causal agents of basal rots of Gypsophila paniculata in Argentina, and to evaluate its possible pathogenicity on Dianthus caryophyllus. Fusarium solani, F. oxysporum , Phytophthora nicotianae , Rhizoctonia solani , F. graminearum , F. verticilloides, F. equiseti and Pythium sp. were isolated in decreasing order from plants with symptoms of «crown rot» (the major basal rot). F. graminearum , F. oxysporum and F. solani were isolated from plants with «basal stem rot». Inoculations of gypsophila were performed by soil infestation and by placing inoculum on basal stem wounds with different strains of each fungus. Crown rot was incited by P. nicotianae causing fast decay of leaves and stems and wet soft rot of the crowns, and by R. solani causing slower decay and disintegrated crown tissues. Basal stem rot was incited by F. graminearum , which was described for the first time on G. paniculata and enter through wounded tissues. Under experimental conditions some strains of R. solani and F. graminearum isolated from gipsofila caused stem rot on carnation plants and only some strains of P. niconianae were weakly pathogenic.

Los objetivos del trabajo fueron identificar a los agentes causales de las podredumbres basales de Gypsophila paniculata en la Argentina y probar su posible patogenicidad sobre Dianthus caryophyllus . A partir de plantas con síntomas de «podredumbre de la corona» (la más importante) se aislaron en orden decreciente: Fusarium solani , F. oxysporum , Phytophthora nicotianae , Rhizoctonia solani , F. graminearum , F. verticillioides, F. equiseti y Pythium sp. y de plantas con «podredumbre basal del tallo» F. graminearum , F. oxysporum y F. solani . Con distintas cepas de cada hongo se hicieron pruebas de patogenicidad mediante la infestación del suelo y el depósito de inóculo en heridas producidas en los tallos. En la «podredumbre de la corona» fueron patógenos P. nicotianae causando decaimiento rápido de la parte aérea y podredumbre blanda de la corona y R. solani causando una pudrición más lenta y tejidos desintegrados. F. graminearum fue el patógeno de la «podredumbre basal del tallo» de gipsofila, que se describe por primera vez en este hospedante , comprobando que el hongo penetra sólo por heridas del tallo. En condiciones de inoculación se confirmó que algunas cepas de R. solani y de F. graminearum aisladas de gipsofila pueden ser patógenas de clavel mientras que sólo algunas de P. nicotianae resultaron patógenas débiles.

Fusarium solani was recorded in 100% of the commercial crops of lisianthus (Eustoma grandiflorum) located around La Plata (Argentina). The pathogen causes stunt and basal rot. A trial was carried out to analyse the F. solani soil density and its relation to the development of both diseases. Soil samples were analysed at three times: before transplant (October), at the beginning of flowering (January) and at the ending of flowering (March) of flowering. The incidence of each disease was evaluated in January and March, and the plants harvested were quantified. The soil density of F. solani was not altered during the three times for each treatment, and fumigants and steam decrease it significantly. In January the stunt incidence reached 0 to 9.5% with the fumigants and 31.4% with the steam treatment. In the control and fungicide plots, the incidence reached 87.9 to 100%, and a consequent reduction of flower production was observed. Stem rot began after the flowers were harvested as a result of pathogen entry through the wounds. The major values of harvested plants were obtained with fumigants (90.7 to 99%) and steam (76.8%), so the greatest stem rot incidence was 15.7 to 22.2 and 10.1%, respectively, in March, and the productive period was shortened. The need of reducing F. solani soil density before lisianthus transplant is emphasized. Among soil control treatments, Metham sodium and Dazomet could be effective substitutes for Methil bromide followed by steam treatment.

En cultivos comerciales de lisianthus de La Plata y alrededores (Argentina), se observó que Fusarium solani afecta al 100% de los establecimientos productivos provocando enanismo y podredumbre basal. Se realizó un ensayo para analizar la densidad de F. solani del suelo bajo el efecto de distintos tratamientos y relacionarla con la evolución de ambas patologías. Los análisis del suelo se hicieron en 3 épocas: antes del transplante (octubre), al inicio (enero) y al final (marzo) de la floración. En enero y marzo se evaluó la incidencia de cada enfermedad y se cuantificaron las plantas cosechadas. La población de F. solani no varió en las 3 épocas y se redujo significativamente con los fumigantes y el vapor. Esto determinó una incidencia del enanismo (enero) de 0 a 9,5% con los primeros y de 31,4% con el vapor. Para el testigo y los fungicidas la incidencia varió entre el 87,9 y el 100%, disminuyendo las plantas cosechadas. La podredumbre basal comenzó con el ingreso del patógeno a través de las heridas producidas por la cosecha. Ésta fue significativamente mayor con los fumigantes (90,7 a 99%) y también con el vapor (76,8%), produciéndose la mayor incidencia en marzo (15,7 a 22,2 y 10,1% respectivamente), reduciéndose el período productivo. Se destaca la importancia de disminuir la densidad de F. solani en el momento del transplante. Entre los métodos de control el Metam sodio y Dazomet podrían ser eficaces sustitutos del Bromuro de metilo, seguidos por el vapor.