Inhibition of Dark CO₂ Fixation and Photosynthesis in Leaf Discs of Corn Susceptible to the Host-specific Toxin Produced by Helminthosporium maydis, Race T

The host-specific toxin produced by Helminthosporium maydis, race T, causes 50% inhibition of dark fixation of (14)CO(2) by leaf discs of susceptible (Texas male sterile) corn when it is diluted to approximately 1/10,000 of the volume of the original fungus culture filtrate. Dilutions of 1/10 or less are required for equivalent inhibition of discs prepared from resistant (N) corn. Root growth and photosynthesis were considerably less sensitive (dilution values 1/3000 and 1/1200, respectively), as was leakage of (14)C induced by toxin from preloaded discs. Based on literature values for dilutions causing ion leakage or inhibition of mitochondrial oxidation, toxin dilutions several orders of magnitude greater bring about inhibition of dark CO(2) fixation. Preincubation of discs in light increased sensitivity of dark fixation to toxin and an effect of light on symptom development was shown. Phosphoenolypruvate carboxylase activity in extracts of roots or leaves was not affected by toxin nor was the enzyme level altered in excised leaves treated with toxin. Inhibition of dark fixation of CO(2) provides a bioassaay for race T toxin which is both reliable and rapid.