Systemic damage in leaf metabolism caused by esca infection in grapevines
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C. Valtaud [1] ; F.Thibault [1] ; P. Larignon [2] ; C. Bertsch [3] ; P. Fleurat Lessard [1] ; A. Bourbouloux [1]
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[1] University of Poitiers
University of Poitiers
Arrondissement de Poitiers, Francia
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[2] Institut Francais de la Vigne et du Vin
Institut Francais de la Vigne et du Vin
Arrondissement de Nîmes, Francia
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[3] University of Upper Alsace
University of Upper Alsace
Arrondissement de Mulhouse, Francia
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- Localización: Australian journal of grape and wine research, ISSN 1322-7130, Vol. 17, Nº 1, 2011, págs. 101-110
- Idioma: inglés
- Texto completo no disponible (Saber más ...)
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Resumen
Background and Aims: Esca is a devastating wood‐decay disease that affects major grape‐producing areas around the world. Xylem pathogenic fungi produce a systemic effect on the development of foliar symptoms and glutathione metabolism in presence of oxidative species. This study focuses on sugar variations in Vitis vinifera leaves, in particular in early events occurring in esca.
Methods and Results: Biochemical, cytochemical and molecular methods showed that in esca‐infected grapevines, photosynthetic pigment content did not vary significantly in leaves from apparently healthy canes (AC‐AL), but decreased in leaves without symptoms on symptomatic canes (SC‐AL). Starch grains were more abundant in AC‐AL than in SC‐AL containing wide plastoglobuli and numerous tannins. The starch level increased early, and then decreased with esca development. Fructose increased early by more than threefold, being the predominant soluble sugar in leaves with advanced esca symptoms.
Conclusions: In response to damage induced by fungal infection, defence reactions such as fructose increased early and developed in esca leaves to scavenge reactive oxygen species and protect plant tissues.
Significance of the Study: Esca infection leads to an early production of fructose involved in defence.
