Ion chromatography analysis of phosphite uptake and translocation by potato plants: Dose-dependent uptake and inhibition of Phytophthora infestans development

Phosphite-based fungicides are increasingly used to control fungi-like plant pathogens from the Oomycetes group. A rapid, precise, and cost-effective suppressed conductivity high performance ion chromatography (HPIC) method was developed to assess the concentrations of soluble phosphites (Phi) and phosphates (Pi) in plant samples. This technique was used to determine the amount of Phi and Pi in leaves and tubers of potato plants following foliar applications of the Phi-based fungicide Confine™. High amounts of Phi were determined in both leaves and tubers indicating that potato plants efficiently uptake and translocate the fungicide. The number of applications of Confine™ and its concentration were found to be directly proportional with the amount of Phi detected in potato plants and inversely proportional with the development of Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary in these plants. Levels of Phi comparable to those determined in plants were found to strongly inhibit the growth of P. infestans in vitro. The simultaneous estimation of the in planta Phi concentration and of the sensitivity of P. infestans to Phi represent the most comprehensive approach of assessing the efficacy of Phi-based fungicides in controlling late blight development in potatoes.