Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry for identification of plant pathogenic Alternaria species

Abstract

Identification of microorganisms by intact cell matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is an emerging technology. In this work, intact MALDI-TOF MS was applied for rapid identification of plant pathogenic Alternaria species based on analysis of protein markers. An analysis of 60 isolates belonging to 12 Alternaria spp. showed characteristic protein finger prints that were specific at species level. When mass fragment data were subjected to partial least squares regression (PLS-R), all these 12 species formed separate groups. The method therefore permits rapid and direct identification of Alternaria spp. from small quantities of fungal mycelium.