Systemic induction of a Capsicum chinense nitrate reductase by the infection with Phytophthora capsici and defence phytohormones

► Almost all pepper species are deathly susceptible to P. capsici. ► The in vitro infection of seedling roots with the oomycete induced an NR in the leaves of young seedlings. ► The NR was also induced by the exogenous application of SA and ET but not by MeJa. ► Both P. capsici and DP conduced to the systemic activation of an NR. ► Induction of NR by SA and ET might reflect an NR role in plant defence.