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Mechanisms of induced resistance in lettuce against Bremia lactucae by DL-β-amino-butyric acid (BABA)

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Abstract

BABA induced local and systemic resistance in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) against the Oomycete Bremia lactucae. Structure-activity analysis showed no induced resistance by related amino-butanoic acids or β-alanine. The R-enantiomer of BABA induced resistance whereas the S-enantiomer did not, suggesting binding to a specific receptor. Other compounds known to be involved in SAR signaling, including abscisic acid, methyl-jasmonate, ethylene, sodium-salicylate and Bion® (BTH) did not induce resistance. Systemic translocation of 14C-BABA and systemic protection against downy mildew were tightly correlated. BABA did not affect spore germination, appressorium formation, or penetration of B. lactucae into the host. Epifluorescence and confocal microscopy revealed that BABA induced rapid encasement with callose of the primary infection structures of the pathogen, thus preventing it from further developing intercellular hyphae and haustoria. Invaded host cells treated with BABA did not accumulate phenolics, callose or lignin, or express HR. In contrast, cells of genetically-resistant cultivars accumulated phenolics, callose and lignin and exhibited HR within one day after inoculation. The callose synthesis inhibitor DDG did not inhibit callose encasement nor compromised the resistance induced by BABA. PR-proteins accumulated too late to be responsible for the induced resistance. DAB staining indicated that BABA induced a rapid accumulation of H2O2 in the penetrated epidermal host cells. Whether H2O2 stops the pathogen directly or via another metabolic route is not known.

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Abbreviations

ABA:

Abscisic acid

AABA:

DL-α-aminobutyric acid

BABA:

DL-β-aminobutyric acid

BTH:

Benzothiadiazole-S-methyl ester (Bion®)

CLSM:

Confocal laser scanning microscopy

DAB:

Diaminobenzidine

DDG:

2-deoxy-D-glucose

dpi:

Days post inoculation

GABA:

γ-aminobutyric acid

hpi:

Hours post inoculation

JA:

Jasmonic acid

NaSA:

Sodium salicylate

ROS:

Reactive oxygen species

PV:

Primary vesicle

SA:

Salicylic acid

SAR:

Systemic acquired resistance

SV:

Secondary vesicle

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Acknowledgement

The guidance of Dr. A. Perelaman in processing the laser confocal micrographs is gratefully acknowledged. The authors gratefully acknowledge funding from the European Community under the Sixth Framework Program for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities, for the Integrated Project QUALITYLOWINPUTFOOD, FP6-FOOD-CT-2003- 506358.

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  1. The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 52900, Israel

    Yigal Cohen, Avia E. Rubin & Gilar Kilfin

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  1. Yigal Cohen
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  2. Avia E. Rubin
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  3. Gilar Kilfin
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Correspondence to Yigal Cohen.

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Cohen, Y., Rubin, A.E. & Kilfin, G. Mechanisms of induced resistance in lettuce against Bremia lactucae by DL-β-amino-butyric acid (BABA). Eur J Plant Pathol 126, 553–573 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10658-009-9564-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10658-009-9564-6

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