Induction of acibenzolar-S-methyl resistance in cowpea to control anthracnose.

ABSTRACT Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] is of great importance due to its high protein and energy content for human diet. Among the major diseases of bean culture is anthracnose, caused by the development of the fungus Colletotrichum lindemuthianum. Resistance induction becomes an alternative to control this microorganism; among the most commonly used inducers is acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM). Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate ASM efficiency in controlling anthracnose in cowpea, which is caused by the fungus Colletotrichum lindemuthianum URM 5771, as well as the activation of enzymes related to its pathogenicity. The study was conducted in a greenhouse and treatments were arranged in a completely randomized design, constituting 5 treatments (Treatment 1 - 0.15g L-1; Treatment 2 - 0.30g L-1; Treatment 3 - 0.45g L-1 and Treatment 4 - 0.60g L-1), including control (water only) and four replicates. Treatments with higher ASM levels provided higher enzymatic activity and, consequently, greater resistance to cowpea plants.