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A non-invasive method for phenotyping scab-tolerant apple plants using volatile organic compounds
Pratibha Demiwal1, Javid Iqbal Mir2, Debabrata Sircar1
1Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India.
Physiologia Plantarum
|June 5, 2024
Summary
Apple scab resistance can be identified using leaf volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Cis-3-hexenyl acetate (3HA) acts as a biomarker, inhibiting fungal growth and reducing disease symptoms in susceptible apple cultivars.
Area of Science:
- Plant pathology
- Plant biochemistry
- Agricultural science
Background:
- Apple scab, caused by Venturia inaequalis, is a major disease affecting commercial apple varieties.
- Developing scab-resistant apple cultivars is crucial for sustainable agriculture.
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are influenced by plant genotype and can serve as non-destructive biomarkers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the scab tolerance potential of resistant and susceptible apple cultivars non-destructively.
- To identify potential VOC biomarkers for apple scab resistance.
- To investigate the role of cis-3-hexenyl acetate (3HA) in scab resistance.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of leaf VOC profiles between resistant (cv. 'Prima') and susceptible (cv. 'Oregon Spur') apple cultivars.
- In vitro assessment of 3HA's effect on Venturia inaequalis growth.
- Evaluation of 3HA's efficacy in reducing scab symptoms on inoculated apple leaves.
- Measurement of lipoxygenase (LOX) activity and α-linolenic acid (ALA) levels in resistant cultivars.
Main Results:
- Sixteen different VOCs were identified, with cis-3-hexenyl acetate (3HA) identified as a key differentiator between cultivars.
- 3HA significantly inhibited V. inaequalis growth in vitro.
- 3HA application reduced scab symptoms on susceptible apple leaves.
- Resistant 'Prima' cultivar showed higher lipoxygenase (LOX) activity and α-linolenic acid (ALA) levels.
Conclusions:
- 3HA is a potential biomarker for non-destructive screening of scab-resistant apple germplasm.
- Apple scab resistance is linked to LOX activity and 3HA biosynthesis.
- Understanding VOC profiles can aid in breeding for disease resistance in apples.
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