Physiological and biochemical responses of tomato plants to white mold affected by manganese phosphite

Considering the potential of white mold, caused by the fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, to reduce tomato production, this study aimed to determinate the effect of manganese (Mn) phosphite on the resistance of tomato plants to this disease by assessing the photosynthetic performance (gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence), the activities of defence enzymes and those related to the antioxidant metabolism as well as the concentrations of photosynthetic pigments, malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anion (O2−). The in vitro assays showed that S. sclerotiorum mycelial growth was inhibited by Mn phosphite in a dose‐response manner. The spray of Mn phosphite reduced white mold severity on the leaves of tomato plants. Additionally, there was a higher foliar Mn concentration for plants sprayed with Mn phosphite. The negative effects of S. sclerotiorum infection in the photosynthetic process were mitigated by Mn phosphite application as noticed by the net carbon assimilation rate, stomatal conductance to water vapour, transpiration rate, maximal photosystem II quantum yield values and concentration of photosynthetic pigments. The concentrations of MDA, H2O2 and O2‐ on inoculated leaves were lower upon Mn phosphite spray. In general, the activities of defence enzymes and those related to the antioxidant metabolism were higher for water‐sprayed plants inoculated with S. sclerotiorum in comparison to those inoculated and sprayed with Mn phosphite. Based on the present study results, the application of Mn phosphite may represent a feasible alternative for white mold management in tomato plants.