Experimental girdling and egg inoculation
Experimental girdling and egg inoculation were performed as previously
described with modifications . Briefly, the vascular bundles of E.
annuus were cut into two lines using Westcott scissors, and an egg was
inoculated between the two girdles. In the non-girdling group, egg
inoculation was performed without girdling. The number of flowers was
counted 3 weeks after girdling.