Activation of the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway reveals a novel action mechanism of the elicitor effect of chitosan on avocado fruit epicarp

Luis Ángel Xoca-Orozco, Selene Aguilera-Aguirre, Julio Vega-Arreguín, Gustavo Acevedo-Hernández, Erik Tovar-Pérez, Alexandra Stoll, Luis Herrera-Estrella, Alejandra Chacón-López

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Scopus citations

Abstract

Secondary metabolites play an important role in the avocado fruit defense system. Phenolic compounds are the main biosynthesized metabolites of this system response. Our objective in this investigation was to evaluate the induction of specific metabolic pathways using chitosan as an elicitor. Extracts obtained from avocado in intermediate and consumption maturity stages treated with chitosan exhibited an increase in antifungal activity, which caused inhibition of mycelial growth and a decrease in sporulation as well as spore germination of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Additionally, RNA from epicarp of the fruits treated and untreated with chitosan was obtained in order to evaluate the expression of genes related to phenylpropanoids and the antifungal compound 1-acetoxy-2-hydroxy-4-oxo-heneicosa-12,15-diene biosynthesis. An increased in gene expression of genes that participate sin the phenylpropanoid s route was observed during the stage of physiological fruit maturity, other s genes such as Flavonol synthase (Fls), increased only in samples obtained from fruit treated with chitosan at consumption maturity. Our results reveal a new molecular mechanism where chitosan induces a specific accumulation of phenylpropanoids and antifungal diene; this partially explains avocado's resistance against fungal pathogens. Finally, we discuss the molecular connections between chitosan induction and gene expression to explain the biological events that orchestrate the resistance pathways in fruits.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)586-592
Number of pages7
JournalFood Research International
Volume121
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2019

Keywords

  • Antifungal diene
  • Avocado fruit
  • C. gloeosporioides
  • Chitosan elicitor
  • Molecular mechanism
  • Persin
  • Phenylpropanoids

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Activation of the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathway reveals a novel action mechanism of the elicitor effect of chitosan on avocado fruit epicarp'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this