| abstract |
Methods are provided for inhibition of leaf rust infections of plants, especially wheat, using inhibitors of the enzymes used by the leaf rust germ tube to ingest and metabolize components of epicuticular waxes and/or using ethylene or ethylene-like plant hormones to induce random appressoria formation at locations other than over the stomate. Methods are also provided whereby inhibition can be achieved by alteration of the epicuticular wax composition to decrease the compounds utilized by the leaf rust germ tubes, especially the $g(b)-diketones and OH-$g(b)-diketones, using techniques such as: 1) selective breeding, 2) genetic manipulation with screening for the production or non-production of particular compounds, and/or 3) alteration of epicuticular wax composition by topical application of natural plant-growth-regulator-type compounds. |