Abstract
Phytophthora infestans is a devastating plant pathogen in several crops such as potato (Solanum tuberosum), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and Andean fruits such as tree tomato (Solanum betaceum), lulo (Solanum quitoense), uchuva (Physalis peruviana) and wild species in the genus Solanum sp. Despite intense research performed around the world, P. infestans populations from Colombia, South America, are poorly understood. Of particular importance is knowledge about pathogen effector proteins, which are responsible for virulence. The present work was performed with the objective to analyze gene sequences coding for effector proteins of P. infestans from isolates collected from different hosts and geographical regions. Several genetic parameters, phylogenetic analyses and neutrality tests for non-synonymous and synonymous substitutions were calculated. Non-synonymous substitutions were identified for all genes that exhibited polymorphisms at the DNA level. Significant negative selection values were found for two genes (PITG_08994 and PITG_12737) suggesting active coevolution with the corresponding host resistance proteins. Implications for pathogen virulence mechanisms and disease management are discussed.
Highlights
Plant pathogens secrete molecules whose function is to facilitate host localization, adherence, penetration, colonization, nutrient uptake and reproduction into host tissues [1]
3 isolates (M-2, M-3, M-10) were collected from 3 different wild Solanum sp., plant species classified within the Anarrhichomenum and Basarthrum complexes, that are known for their difficult identification and which are probably new hosts for P. infestans from Colombia; further confirmation is needed [22]
Populations of the oomycete Phytophthora infestans sensu lato that cause the late blight disease have been the subject of intense studies worldwide because they cause large losses in potato and tomato crops
Summary
Plant pathogens secrete molecules whose function is to facilitate host localization, adherence, penetration, colonization, nutrient uptake and reproduction into host tissues [1]. A group of such molecules, collectively named effector proteins, is dedicated to promote pathogenicity through manipulation of host metabolism or suppression of its immune system [2]. Host plants have developed a complex immune system to detect pathogen signals and trigger diverse pathways of defense responses [3,4,5]. When a plant defense protein, named an R protein, recognizes an effector protein from the pathogen, the hypersensitive response is activated, and this effector is named thereafter as an avirulence protein. The hypersensitive response is a typical response in the interaction of different physiological races of the oomycete pathogen Phytophthora infestans (Mont.) de Bary with potato differentials expressing corresponding R proteins [3,4,6]
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