Mycorrhiza induced resistance in potato plantlets challenged by Phytophthora infestans

Biological control of soil-borne pathogens by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi has been repeatedly demonstrated. However, their role in the control of above-ground hemibiotrophic pathogens is less conclusive. Here, we investigated in vitro the impact of an AM fungus on Phytophthora infestans in potato plants. The leaf infection index was decreased in mycorrhizal potato plants. Real-Time Quantitative PCR revealed the induction of two pathogenesis related genes (PR1 and PR2) in the leaves of mycorrhizal plants shortly after infection with P. infestans. These results suggested a systemic resistance in mycorrhizal plants, related to the priming of the two PR genes in potato. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd.

• Main Author: Cranenbrouck, S. (author)
• Other Authors: Suarez Chacon, J. (author), Lucero Mosquera, H. (author), Declereck, S. (author), Gallou, A. (author)
• Format: article
• Published: 2011
• Subjects: arbuscular mycorrhiza fungus; defence genes; in vitro system; phytophthora infestans; solanum tuberosum; systemic resistance
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pmpp.2011.06.005; http://dspace.utpl.edu.ec/handle/123456789/19258