Soil conditions and root diseases XIV. Host-parasite response to Fusarium wilt

Abstract

The toxin of F. vasinfectum, fusaric acid, has no host specificity despite the fact that there is specificity of hosts infected by this pathogen. Resistant cotton plants (Gossypium hirsutum), in spite of being infected by F. vasinfectum do not manifest visual symptoms. A study of their metabolism clearly indicates that resistance is due to the higher reserve of carbohydrates and ascorbic acid over the susceptible plants. It is likely that these energy-yielding substances are favourably utilised in the resistant plants for the formation of a labile toxic substance which inhibits the pathogen inside the vascular system.