Phosphite‐mediated enhancement of defence responses in <i>Agrostis stolonifera</i> and <i>Poa annua</i> infected by <i>Microdochium nivale</i>

Abstract The ascomycete fungus Microdochium nivale is one of the most damaging pathogens cool season turfgrass. Prevention and recovery from infection costly to many sports facilities each year. In recent years, use chemical plant protectants has been restricted turfgrass managers have increasingly sought alternative measures for disease control. phosphite shown be effective in reducing M. symptoms Agrostis stolonifera Poa annua . aim this research was assess initial defence responses ‐infected turfgrass, specifically total phenolic content hydrogen peroxide generation, determine effect treatment on these suppression symptoms. Phenolic compounds H 2 O are components host responses. Phosphite led enhanced accumulations content, when applied sequentially or singly greenhouse plants, it significant reductions compared phosphate‐treated plants controls. extractions indicated that while increased generation controls, no different plants.