Induction of defence responses in zucchini (Cucurbita pepo) by Anabaena sp. water extract

• BEA0300B (Anabaena sp.) water extract reduced P. xanthii symptoms on zucchini.
• The extract induced systemic defence responses on plants.
• Chitinases, β-1,3-glucanase and peroxidases accumulated in leaves after treatment.
• Constitutive acidic isoenzymes were increased upon treatment.
• The extract showed a direct antifungal activity reducing pathogen sporulation.

The induction of systemic defence responses in zucchini leaves treated by a water extract of Anabaena sp. BEA0300B strain was studied firstly through a bioassay under Podosphaera xanthii (Castagne) U. Braun and Shishkoff challenge. In a second experiment, enzyme activities correlated to induced systemic resistance were assayed 1, 2 and 3 days after treatment (DAT) with BEA0300B on untreated cotyledonar leaves. Endochitinase, β-N-acetylhexosaminidase, chitin 1,4-β-chitobiosidase, β-1,3-glucanase and peroxidases were spectrophotometrically determined. Enzyme isoforms were detected after isoelectric focusing. The extract reduced P. xanthii symptoms by 25%, similarly to chitosan, the positive control. BEA0300B treatment caused systemic accumulation of all the enzymes. In particular, the treatment provoked an early increase of total chitinase activity (15–38%) and of the expression of two constitutive chitinase isoforms, pI 4.4 (159%) and pI 4.6 (433%). The total β-1,3-glucanase and peroxidase activities were transiently increased. The expression of two constitutive isoforms of these enzyme increased, particularly pI 5.0 glucanase (148%, 1 DAT) and pI 4.9 peroxidase (181%, 2 DAT). BEA0300B water extract also showed a direct antifungal activity on pathogen sporulation.

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