Abstract
In this report, the effects of two oligochitosans, i.e., oligochitosan A (OCHA) and oligochitosan B (OCHB), on control of dry rot of Zanthoxylum bungeanum (Z. bungeanum) caused by Fusarium sambucinum (F. sambucinum) were evaluated. First, both oligochitosans show desirable ability to decrease the infection of F. sambucinum. Second, the oligochitosans strongly inhibit the radial colony and submerged biomass growth of F. sambucinum. Lastly, these oligochitosans are capable of increasing the activities of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), polyphenoloxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) significantly, as well as enhancing the content of total phenolics in Z. bungeanum stems. These findings indicate that the protective effects of OCHA and OCHB on Z. bungeanum stems against dry rot may be associated with the direct fungitoxic function against pathogen and the elicitation of biochemical defensive responses in Z. bungeanum stems. The outcome of this report suggests that oligochitosans may serve as a promising natural fungicide to substitute, at least partially, for synthetic fungicides in the disease management of Z. bungeanum.
Highlights
Zanthoxylum bungeanum (Z. bungeanum), named Huajiao in Chinese, is an aromatic plant of Rutaceae
As shown in the present study, two oligochitosans, i.e., oligochitosan A (OCHA) and oligochitosan B (OCHB), displayed significant protective effects on Z. bungeanum stems against dry rot, inhibiting the growth of F. sambucinum in vitro directly, and induced defensive responses in Z. bungeanum remarkably
Various effects of OCHA and OCHB might be associated with their differences in components, molecular weight, the degree of acetylation and polymerization, and preparation methods
Summary
Zanthoxylum bungeanum (Z. bungeanum), named Huajiao in Chinese, is an aromatic plant of Rutaceae. It is a native shrub or small tree that originated from the southwestern part of China [1]. The main measures for controlling Z. bungeanum’s diseases and pests rely on chemically synthesized pesticides [5]. Synthetic pesticides have their own advantage, but the side effect of indiscriminate use of these pesticides on crops has aroused increasing concerns for pesticide residue, pathogenic resistance to pesticide, and resurgence of pests [6]. There are great demands for nontoxic but effective alternatives to current synthetic pesticides, aiming for reducing the incidence of plant disease and minimizing the negative effect of synthetic pesticides on human and environmental health [7]
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