Frost sensitivity of Zea mays increased by application of Pseudomonas syringae

It was found that water extracts of corn leaf powder from healthy field-grown plants caused as much increase in frost sensitivity when applied as a spray to seedling corn, as did application of the powder itself when tested as described below.

Abstract

DRIED, powdered corn leaves (Zea mays L.) dusted on to the leaves of corn seedlings, will increase frost damage to treated seedlings relative to untreated controls at ∼ −4°C (refs 1, 2). In a preliminary attempt to isolate the entity responsible for this activity, we found that water extracts of corn leaf powder from healthy field-grown plants caused as much increase in frost sensitivity when applied as a spray to seedling corn, as did application of the powder itself when tested as described below. Addition of either streptomycin or tetracycline (1,000 p.p.m.) to these water extracts eliminated their activity, suggesting the possible role of bacteria in this effect.