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Cytophysiological manifestations of wheat’s defense reactions against stem rust induced by the biofungicide Novochizol

Summary

Scientists studied how a new plant-based product called Novochizol helps wheat plants defend themselves against stem rust, a destructive fungal disease. When wheat seedlings were treated with Novochizol before being exposed to the rust fungus, the plants showed strong defensive reactions including increased production of protective hydrogen peroxide and phenolic compounds. The treatment significantly reduced the number and size of rust pustules (infection spots) on susceptible wheat plants, effectively converting them to a more resistant state without harming the plants.

Background

Biologization of agriculture is a priority direction for sustainable crop production. Chitosan-based biopreparations have shown promise for stimulating plant growth and protecting against pathogens. Novochizol, obtained through intramolecular crosslinking of chitosan molecules, has previously demonstrated growth-stimulating effects in wheat but its role in inducing resistance to rust diseases has not been previously studied.

Objective

To investigate the dose-dependent effects of Novochizol on wheat stem rust development and to elucidate the cytophysiological mechanisms of defense reactions induced by Novochizol in susceptible wheat cultivars against Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici infection.

Results

Novochizol treatment at 0.75% concentration showed the greatest inhibitory effect on stem rust development, reducing pustule density and inducing resistant reactions in susceptible plants. The preparation stimulated intensive H2O2 accumulation in tissues within 48 hours post-inoculation that gradually decreased by 96-144 hours but increased again at the sporulation stage. Novochizol induced earlier and more intensive accumulation of phenolic compounds, particularly those with syringin derivatives, in infection zones without triggering hypersensitivity reactions characteristic of resistant varieties.

Conclusion

Novochizol acts as an effective resistance inducer against wheat stem rust through ROS generation and phenolic compound accumulation rather than through hypersensitivity reactions. The dose-dependent effects were optimal at 0.125 and 0.75% concentrations. This work represents the first stage of investigating Novochizol’s effects on wheat defense mechanisms, with future studies planned using molecular genetics and biochemical methods.
  • Published in:Vavilovskii Zhurnal Genetiki i Selektsii (Vavilov Journal of Genetics and Breeding),
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.18699/vjgb-25-57, PMID: 40697939
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