Effects of physcion, a natural anthraquinone derivative, on the infection process of Blumeria graminis on wheat

Abstract

Physcion is one of the important active ingredients of ethanol extract from the roots of Chinese rhubarb (Rheum officinale) for controlling powdery mildew. A histological investigation indicated that this compound affected Blumeria graminis in vivo by inhibiting the germination of conidia, by increasing the rate of appressorium deformation before the pathogen infected the cells of wheat (Triticum aestivum), and by reducing the length of haustoria and the number of secondary haustoria after infection.

Keywords:

• physcion
• Blumeria graminis
• activity
• histology