The role of leaf chemistry in Melampsora medusae infection of hybrid poplar: effects of leaf development and fungicide treatment

Immature leaves of poplars are immune to Melampsora leaf rust infection, regardless of the level of resistance or susceptibility of older leaves. Leaf phenolic and protein concentrations were quantified in leaves of varying maturity (measured by leaf plastochron index, LPI) from a rust-susceptible, interspecific hybrid poplar clone, 47-174 (Populus trichocarpa Torr. & Gray × Populus deltoides Bartr. ex Marsh.). Using leaf water extracts and apoplastic solutions, concentrations of phenolics and proteins decreased as LPI increased. Urediniospore germination increased 3-fold, and hyphae elongation increased 3.5-fold as LPI increased from 1 to 11. Inoculation significantly increased concentrations from 9% (LPI 5) to over 120% (LPI 11). Application of triadimefon (Bayleton) significantly increased the apoplastic concentrations of phenolics and proteins by 43% and 25%, respectively. In vitro urediniospore germination and hyphae elongation decreased over 7-fold and 3-fold, respectively, in these leaves, to levels comparable to immature leaves. This study has shown that defense compounds are present in immature poplar leaves that likely contribute to Melampsora medusae rust immunity, and that triadimefon application created a similar immunity in susceptible leaves. Identification of specific compounds associated with this immunity could assist in the development of resistant poplar clones through traditional breeding or gene modification.