抄録
We present a small-scale hydroponic method for demonstrating the spread of Phytophthora colocasiae, the causal agent of taro leaf blight disease. By recreating the nutritional content of the soil used for commercial taro production in the hydroponic unit, our protocol was used to effectively evaluate the leaf browning caused by P. colocasiae. Leaf lesions in Mg/K-treated taro plants subsequently decreased the lotus effect of the leaves. In addition, the contact angle of water droplets was decreased from 130° to 80° between the control and Mg/K-treated plants. We found that the Mg/ K ratio-treated plants tended to spread water-soaked lesions and a greater lodging index than the control treatment.
This hydroponic system can operate in a limited space, only a few facilities needed, low labor requirements, a low concomitant infection risk, and generates reproducible results for lesions caused by P. colocasiae. This system, therefore, offers a new approach to research on disease resistance and nutrients.
