Abstract

LOPEZ-RIVERA, Luis Alberto et al. Differential gene expression of avocado defense genes in response to avocado sunblotch viroid infection. Rev. mex. fitopatol [online]. 2018, vol.36, n.1, pp.151-161. ISSN 2007-8080.  https://doi.org/10.18781/r.mex.fit.1707-5.

Involvement of pathogenesis related proteins in defense against some of the most important avocado pathogens has been shown. However, infections caused by Avocado sunblotch viroid (ASBVd) require further research to elucidate the response components. Avocado response to ASBVd infections can be either asymptomatic or symptomatic, which further raises questions about plant defense mechanisms. This research analyzed the expression of genes PaNPR1, EREBP, PR-5 and PR-6, which encode defense proteins, in symptomatic and asymptomatic avocado leaves and fruits infected with ASBVd. Data analysis shows that ASBVd infections modify the expression of PR-5 and PR-6, while the expression of PaNPR1 and EREBP does not change. Expression differences on fruit were more evident with PR-5 on fruit from asymptomatic trees; PR-6 had higher expression on infected fruits but there were no differences between symptomatic and asymptomatic fruits. The coordinated expression of both genes on fruit suggest the activation of a synergistic defense mechanism in response to ASBVd infection.

Keywords : Avocado sunblotch viroid; Persea americana; PR genes.