Cerebroside mediated elicitation of defense response in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) against Colletotrichum capsici infection

Abstract

Enhancing the host resistance by using naturally occurring elicitors derived from pathogenic organisms is emerging as an ecofriendly approach in plant disease management. Cerebrosides, categorized as glycosphingolipids, were isolated and partially purified from the wilt causing fungus (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici). Cerebroside treatment significantly reduced the anthracnose disease incidence under greenhouse conditions. Cerebroside elicitors were found to stimulate the early H2O2 accumulation followed by the production of plant defense-related enzymes such as Phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), Peroxidase (POX), Polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and Lipoxygenase (LOX) when applied to chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) plants by spray treatment and also induced the accumulation of capsidiol. Defense-related enzyme activities were increased by the elicitor treatment and an high level in activity was maintained during the experimental period. Under greenhouse conditions, the cerebroside elicitors effectively protected chilli plants against infection by anthracnose causing organism, Colletotrichum capsici.