Characterization and Pathogenicity of Rhizoctonia Species on Canola.

A total of 112 Rhizoctonia isolates were collected from various canola (Brassica napus) growing areas of Western Australia. Pectic enzyme electrophoresis differentiated these isolates into six distinct zymogram groups: R. solani, 54% ZG5 (AG2-1), 8% ZG6 (AG2-1), and 1% ZG9 (AG10); binucleate Rhizoctonia, 12% CZG1 (CAG1), 4% CZG4, and 6% CZG5 (AGK); and the remainder unidentified binucleate groups (15%). Binucleate groups were also confirmed by fluorescent nuclear staining and hyphal morphology. One or more isolates from each of the above zymogram groups (including four unidentified binucleate groups) and an isolate of ZG1-1 (AG8) that causes bare patch in cereals and legumes were tested for their pathogenicity on canola. Isolates of ZG5 and ZG1-1 were highly pathogenic on canola, delayed seedling emergence, and caused severe hypocotyl and root rot, respectively. ZG5 also induced postemergence damping-off. Increasing the depth of sowing from 1 to 3 cm significantly delayed seedling emergence and increased disease severity. Four unidentified binucleate isolates (WAC9316, WAC9297, WAC9307, and WAC9290) were moderately pathogenic to canola, while two isolates (WAC9307 and WAC9316) caused significant preemergence damping-off. Two CZG5 isolates were weakly pathogenic. Isolates of ZG5 and ZG1-1 were also tested for their pathogenicity on other rotational crops (narrow-leafed lupin, subterranean clover, wheat, oats, barley, and mustard) and two weed species (wild radish and annual ryegrass). ZG5 caused a severe hypocotyl rot on mustard and mild symptoms of hypocotyl rot on narrow-leafed lupin and clover, but failed to infect any of the cereal hosts, such as wheat, oats, barley, and ryegrass. In contrast, all crops tested were highly susceptible to ZG1-1 except mustard, which was only moderately susceptible. Results indicate that ZG5 is most pathogenic to crucifers and is a mildly virulent pathogen of the leguminous crops but not of cereal crops tested. ZG1-1, known to cause bare patch in legumes and cereals, also can cause severe root rot in canola. This is the first report of hypocotyl rot and pathogenicity of ZG5 on canola in Australia.