Effect of maleic hydrazide on parasitic fitness of Puccinia striiformis f. sp tritici in wheat

As a growth inhibitor of the apical meristem in the plant stem, Maleic hydrazide plays an important role in modulation of plant growth. In this research, Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici and its host for reproduction was employed to characterize the effect of maleic hydrazide on parasitic fitness of the strain. Growth inhibition of the secondary leaves of wheat by maleic hydrazide was demonstrated. Results showed that root irrigation by maleic hydrazide at the seedling stage significantly increased the parasitic fitness of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, leading to the increase in sporulation amount, sporulation period, and germination rate of urediniospores. In addition, the ultrastructure of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici urediniospores was not affected by maleic hydrazide treatment. Out data indicate that the optimal concentration and dose for the use of maleic hydrazide is 0.35 g l(-1) and 1.5 ml/cm(2), respectively, facilitating the widespread application in wheat stripe rust studies.