Involvement of a novel peroxidase isozyme and lignification in hydathodes in resistance to black rot disease in cabbage

Abstract

The physiological mechanisms associated with resistance of cabbage to black rot disease seem to be associated with the hydathodes. To investigate the role of hydathodes in disease resistance, total peroxidase activities, anionic peroxidase isozyme expression, and lignin deposition were determined in hydathodes of resistant (Hancock and Green Cup), partially resistant (Cheers), and susceptible (Strukton and Perfect Ball) cabbage varieties (Brassica oleracea L.) during pathogenesis with Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris. Four-week-old plants were petiole-inoculated with a highly virulent strain of X. campestris pv. campestris (FD91L). Hydathodal fluids were collected daily over a 14-day period from infected plants as well as noninfected, mock-inoculated control plants. Hydathodal fluids of resistant varieties had greater peroxidase activity when compared to susceptible ones, with infected plants having higher peroxidase levels than noninfected plants. Isoelectric focusing revealed the presence of four anionic peroxidase isozymes in hydathodal fluids, with the most anionic one (pI of 3.6) accumulating only upon infection. Lignin deposition in and around the hydathodes was associated with the accumulation of this particular isozyme in hydathodal fluids. The evidence suggests that a rapid, systemic response is associated with resistance to the bacterial pathogen.Key words: peroxidases, hydathodes, isozymes, black rot disease, cabbage, Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris.