Increased calcium concentration in narrow-leafed lupin epidermal tissue reduces infection by Diaporthe toxica

Abstract

This study examines the effect of calcium (Ca) supply on infection of narrow-leafed lupins (Lupinus angustifolius) by Diaporthe toxica the cause of lupinosis in animals. Susceptible cv. Yandee and resistant breeding lines CE2:435 and 75A:258 were grown in solution culture at varying levels of Ca supply. Epidermal Ca concentration increased with increased Ca supply in both resistant and susceptible narrow-leafed lupins. There was an inverse relationship between the concentration of epidermal Ca and the frequency of infection by the fungus.