Production of pectolytic and cellulolytic enzymes by virulent and avirulent isolates of Sclerotium bataticola during disease development in sunflowers

Abstract

Exo- and endo-polygalacturonase, polygalacturonate trans-eliminase, and cellulase were produced in cultures by two virulent, one moderately virulent, and one avirulent isolates of Sclerotium bataticola. The polygalacturonases are important in penetration and early stages of pathogenesis in sunflowers; virulence of isolates is correlated with their ability to produce these enzymes in the host. Polygalacturonate trans-eliminase and cellulase activity in plant extracts increased with time after inoculation. Polygalacturonate trans-eliminase and cellulase are not important in penetration of Sclerotium bataticola into sunflowers, but are involved in further development of the pathogen. Ability to produce these two enzymes in plants is closely correlated with virulence of the respective isolates.