Phytoparasitica (2003) 31, p. 415 (Prusky)

D. Prusky (2003)
pH stress effect on the regulation of virulence of postharvest pathogens
Phytoparasitica 31 (4), 415-415
Proceedings of the 24th Congress of the Israeli Phytopathological Society
Abstract: Postharvest pathogens infect fruits throughout the period of fruit growth, but remain quiescent for weeks or months while the fruit is immature. Upon harvest and fruit ripening, quiescent infections are activated, causing extensive damage to the fruit. Quiescent infection appears to be a fungal response to adverse physiological conditions imposed temporarily by the host. The quiescence of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in unripe fruits and vegetables has been attributed to the presence of high concentrations of preformed antifungal compounds or inducible antifungal compounds. It was recently reported, however, that pathogens may activate processes improving their virulence during fruit ripening. This suggests the importance of the pathogen for activation of the quiescent infections. Local pH modulation of the tissue was reported as a factor enhancing the expression of virulence factors. This regulation differs between pathogens and according to the virulence factors that are activated to cause symptoms of decay. A general understanding of the fungal mechanism modulating the expression of virulence factors is of primary importance for the manipulation of resistance and can lead to creating the basis for novel crop protection strategies.
Database assignments for author(s): Dov Prusky

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Colletotrichum gloeosporioides