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A rapid and efficient in vivo inoculation method for introducing tree stem canker pathogens onto leaves: suitable for large-scale assessment of resistance in poplar breeding progeny

Summary

Scientists developed a faster and easier way to test whether poplar trees are resistant to diseases caused by stem canker fungi. Instead of using time-consuming traditional methods that require large stem pieces, the new method uses poplar leaves for testing. The leaf method produces results in 5 days, uses abundant leaf materials, and the results match those from traditional stem testing methods.

Background

Hybrid breeding is an efficient strategy for disease control in tree species, but current resistance screening methods are limited by availability of inoculating materials. The in vitro stem segment inoculation method cannot rapidly and cost-effectively screen all hybrid clones for resistance to stem canker pathogens.

Objective

To develop and validate a novel in vivo leaf inoculation method for rapid and efficient assessment of resistance to stem canker pathogens in poplar hybrid clones. The method aims to overcome limitations of conventional stem segment inoculation techniques.

Results

The stem canker pathogen V. sordida induced extended necrotic lesions and pycnidium structures on poplar leaves by 5 days post-inoculation. Upper leaves (5-7th) showed higher resistance than middle leaves (18-20th), shaded leaves were more susceptible than light-exposed leaves, and 4-day-cultured mycelium was more pathogenic than 7-day-cultured. Resistance rankings from leaf inoculation were consistent with stem segment inoculation results.

Conclusion

The in vivo leaf inoculation method effectively assesses resistance to stem canker pathogens in poplar hybrid clones with advantages including abundant inoculation materials, easy operation, and rapid disease onset. This method is particularly suitable for large-scale resistance screening of poplar breeding progeny and early seedling selection.
  • Published in:Plant Methods,
  • Study Type:Experimental/Methodological Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40128764, DOI: 10.1186/s13007-025-01360-1
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