The Effect of Phytophthora citrophthora Infection of Strawberry Physiology and Histology in the Presence of Calcium, Iron, and Zinc Deficiencies

Abstract

Phytophthora citrophthora exerts detrimental effects on strawberry growth and physiology. In the presence of P. citrophthora, strawberry plants may face mineral deficiency during their growth. This study aimed to investigate the impact of P. citrophthora on ‘Albion’ strawberry plants under conditions of calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) deficiency. Plants of ‘Albion’ strawberry cultivar (2 months old) were used as an experimental material. After 2 months of growth in a nutrient solution, these plants were subjected to 2 months of deficiency in Ca, Fe, or Zn. Following this period, P. citrophthora infection was introduced to the strawberries over a 3-week time frame. The findings of this research indicated that the most severe disease symptoms were observed under Fe deficiency conditions. Furthermore, when P. citrophthora infection coincided with Fe deficiency, there was a notable decrease in leaf-relative water content, accompanied by slight wilting symptoms. Overall, P. citrophthora infection led to an increase in the concentrations of chlorophyll precursors, including Proto IX, Mg-Proto IX, and Pchlide. Both nutrient deficiency conditions and P. citrophthora infection contributed to a decrease in cortical cell expansion. In addition, under nutrient deficiencies, the diameter of xylem conduits generally increased in both infected and non-infected plants, except in cases of P. citrophthora infection combined with Fe deficiency. Notably, the severity of P. citrophthora wilt was found to be higher under Fe deficiency conditions.