Abstract
The concept of “Sweet Immunity” postulates that sugar metabolism and signaling influence plant immune networks. In this study, we tested the potential of commercially available inulin-type fructans to limit disease symptoms caused by Botrytis cinerea in lettuce. Spraying mature lettuce leaves, with inulin-type fructans derived from burdock or chicory was as effective in reducing grey mold disease symptoms caused by Botrytis cinerea as spraying with oligogalacturonides (OGs). OGs are well-known defense elicitors in several plant species. Spraying with inulin and OGs induced accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and levels further increased upon pathogen infection. Inulin and OGs were no longer able to limit Botrytis infection when plants were treated with the ethylene signaling inhibitor 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP), indicating that a functional ethylene signaling pathway is needed for the enhanced defense response. Soluble sugars accumulated in leaves primed with OGs, while 1-MCP treatment had an overall negative effect on the sucrose pool. Accumulation of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a stress-associated non-proteinogenic amino acid and possible signaling compound, was observed in inulin-treated samples after infection and negatively affected by the 1-MCP treatment. We have demonstrated for the first time that commercially available inulin-type fructans and OGs can improve the defensive capacity of lettuce, an economically important species. We discuss our results in the context of a possible recognition of fructans as Damage or Microbe Associated Molecular Patterns.
Highlights
In a rapidly changing world, there is a need for high yielding, stress tolerant crops
With inulin-type fructans derived from burdock or chicory was as effective in reducing grey mold disease symptoms caused by Botrytis cinerea as spraying with oligogalacturonides (OGs)
We have demonstrated for the first time that commercially available inulin-type fructans and OGs can improve the defensive capacity of lettuce, an economically important species
Summary
In a rapidly changing world, there is a need for high yielding, stress tolerant crops. Priming helps the plant to react faster and/or more strongly to a future pathogen attack, and is believed to work with minimal energy inputs, triggering crop resistance to (a)biotic stresses without major implications for plant fitness [7]. Priming can be useful in the field and greenhouse context on intact plants, and for postharvest application on fruits [8] and detached leaves [9]. In this context, it is important to note that inulin is a safe product for human consumption, possessing prebiotic properties [10]
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