Beta-1,3-Gucanases in Fine Roots of Picea abies (L.) Karst and Pinus sylvestris (L.) Induced by Infection With Heterobasidion annosum (Fr.) Bref. : Root and Butt Rots

Uppsala

International Union of Forest Research Organizations, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

1994

S. 117-124

25 Lit. Ang.

Bandaufführung

73445

In the present work low activities of Beta-1,3-glucanases were found following fungal infection (Heterobasidion annosum) of seedlings of pine and spruce. This in contrast to previous research reports that have found a correlation between Beta-1,3-glucanase activity and defense mechanisms of many agricultural crops against fungal pathogen. Under sterile conditions seedlings of pine and spruce were inoculated with germinated Heterobasidion annosum spores. The level of specific Beta-1,3-glucanase activity, determined spectrophotometrically, was slightly higher in the infected spruce and pine roots than in the non infected roots. However, compared with other research reports, both the increase rate following infection and the total amount of specific activity were very low. Therefore, it was not possible to determine a role of this enzyme in the defense mechansism of spruce and pine against Heterobasidion annosum. Another function of Beta-1,3-glucanase, suggested in lieterature, is an involvement in cell elongation and vascular differentiation. A decrease of activity in the infected roots after the first day following inoculation, probably induced by disturbances in the metabolic system due to infection, could refer to this suggested function of Beta-1,3-glucanase.