Influence of exogenously applied methyl jasmonate Cylindrocarpon destructans in vitro

J. M. Sun, X. R. Yan, J. F. Fu, R. J. Zhou

Abstract: Methyl jasmonate (MeJA), which is one of the plant lipid derivatives, is considered as a signaling substance during plantmicrobe interactions. It is related to plant resistance to biotic and abiotic stress. To assess the influence of MeJA on soil pathogens, the direct effect of artificially applied MeJA on Cylindrocarpon destructans (a soilborne pathogen causing root rot of ginseng) was evaluated. MeJA strongly inhibited its growth and spore germination, whereas it stimulated phytopathogenic enzyme activities of this pathogen. The colony diameter of C. destructans on PDA decreased from 8.23 ± 0.15 cm (control) to 0.71 ± 0.00 cm (800 mg/L). The biomass was reduced by 65.3-100% and the percent of spore germination and germ-tube lengths were decreased by 100% at concentrations higher than 400 mg/L. Pectinase, cellulase, and amylase activities were stimulated at higher concentrations of MeJA, while the activity of protease was little changed. It was concluded that MeJA greatly inhibited C. destructans growth and spore germination, but stimulated activities of hydrolytic enzymes of C. destructans at higher doses.

Keywords: biomass; Cylindrocarpon destructans; Methyl jasmonate; pathogenic enzyme

Date published: 2019-02-27