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Updated: Jun 18, 2025

Author Spotlight: Integrating Biochemical Functions of β-Glucanases and Peroxidase Enzymes in Wheat-RWA Interaction
Published on: July 26, 2024
Host cell wall composition and localized microenvironment implicated in resistance to basal stem degradation by
Ivan Simko1, Bullo Erena Mamo2,3, Clifton E Foster4,5
1United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Sam Farr United States Crop Improvement and Protection Research Center, Salinas, CA, 93905, USA. ivan.simko@usda.gov.
Background:
Sclerotinia spp. are generalist fungal pathogens, infecting over 700 plant hosts worldwide, including major crops. While host resistance is the most sustainable and cost-effective method for disease management, complete resistance to Sclerotinia diseases is rare. We recently identified soft basal stem as a potential susceptibility factor to Sclerotinia minor infection in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) under greenhouse conditions.
Results:
Analysis of stem and root cell wall composition in five L. sativa and one L. serriola accessions with varying growth habits and S. minor resistance levels revealed strong association between hemicellulose constituents, lignin polymers, disease phenotypes, and basal stem mechanical strength. Accessions resistant to basal stem degradation consistently exhibited higher levels of syringyl, guaiacyl, and xylose, but lower levels of fucose in stems. These findings suggest that stem cell wall polymers recalcitrant to breakdown by lignocellulolytic enzymes may contribute to stem strength-mediated resistance against S. minor.
Conclusions:
The lignin content, particularly guaiacyl and syringyl, along with xylose could potentially serve as biomarkers for identifying more resistant lettuce accessions and breeding lines. Basal stem degradation by S. minor was influenced by localized microenvironment conditions around the stem base of the plants.
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