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Reaction of glucosinolate-myrosinase defence system in Brassica plants to pathogenicity factor of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

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Abstract

The glucosinolate-myrosinase defence system, specific to Brassicales plants, produces toxic volatile compounds during mechanical injury or pathogen attack. The reaction of this system to oxalic acid, known as a pathogenicity factor of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, is not fully understood. The hydrolysis of glucosinolates was studied at varying conditions in the presence of oxalic acid in the substrate. In a bioassay, colonies of the pathogen were exposed to volatiles from hydrated mustard powder used as a myrosinase and glucosinolate source. The glucosinolate-myrosinase (GSL-M) system was activated in the presence of oxalic acid at a concentration and pH similar to that expected in vivo. Volatile production was inhibited only when the pH fell to 3 or below. It is unlikely that oxalic acid plays a significant role in disarming the GSL-M system during infection of Brassica hosts.

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Author notes

  1. Siamak Rahmanpour

    Present address: Oilseed Crops Research Department, Seed and Plant Improvement Research Institute, Karaj, Iran

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia

    Siamak Rahmanpour & David Backhouse

  2. School of Science and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia

    Heather M. Nonhebel

Authors
  1. Siamak Rahmanpour
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  2. David Backhouse
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  3. Heather M. Nonhebel
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Correspondence to Siamak Rahmanpour.

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Rahmanpour, S., Backhouse, D. & Nonhebel, H.M. Reaction of glucosinolate-myrosinase defence system in Brassica plants to pathogenicity factor of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum . Eur J Plant Pathol 128, 429–433 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10658-010-9685-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10658-010-9685-y

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