Exposition of cork oak roots to cryptogein reduced the infection by Phytophtora cinnamomi

Abstract

The oomycete P. cinnamomi has been described as strong contributing factor to the decline of cork oak and holm oak stands occurring in the Iberian Peninsula. There are no eradication methods available against this pathogen. Molecular mechanisms of oomycete — host interaction are not well understood, but it is known that oomycete species can induce biochemical and physiological processes in their host plants through a diverse array of virulence or avirulence molecules, known as effectors. Several Phytophtora effector molecules, the elicitins, are able to induce cellular defence responses in plants. Among these elicitors the 10- KDa (elicitins) are able to enhance plant defences in a systemic acquired resistance manner, against infection of different pathogens.