Cloning of transcripts encoding chitinases from Elaeis guineensis Jacq. and their expression profiles in response to fungal infections

We have cloned three cDNAs encoding chitinases from oil palm, EgCHI1, EgCHI2, and EgCHI3. The abundance of transcripts encoding all three chitinases was relatively higher in oil palm root tissues treated with either Ganoderma boninense or Trichoderma harzianum singly compared to that of untreated oil palm root tissues at 5 week post inoculation (wpi). The expression of EgCHI1 and EgCHI2 was also up-regulated in oil palm roots treated with a combination of G. boninense and T. harzianum at 2, 5 and 8 wpi. The up-regulation of chitinases understudied was likely a universal response of host plant to fungal attack.

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► Association of host plants and fungi increased expression of defense-related enzymes.
► Chitinases are important PR proteins that degrade fungal cell wall.
► Fungi increased transcripts encoding plant chitinases.
► Universal response of host plant against fungi.