A role for Penicillium rubens strain 212 xylanolytic system in biocontrol of Fusarium wilt disease in tomato plants

Abstract Penicillium rubens strain 212 (PO212) is an effective inducer of resistance mechanisms in tomato plants against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. lycopersici . During the interaction PO212 with plant, different classes molecules may act as elicitors such certain secreted endo-xylanases. The aim this work was to elucidate possible role xylanolytic system its biocontrol activity. We identified potential genes coding for xylanases ( xlnA , xlnE xylP) β-xylosidase xlnD) and their transcriptional regulators xlnR araR ) PO212, evaluated patterns response root extracts or synthetic medium containing xylan main carbon source. For we compared data from those two strains Penicillium, P. S27, chrysogenum IPLA33001, lacking efficacy. Time-course experiments showed effect these sources on expression rates xylanase genes. To achieve a strong reduction genes, generated null allele XlnR, specific regulator pathway. Absence XlnR function prevented growth media source consequently, levels were downregulated. relationship gene regulated pathway efficacy biological control agent evaluated. Null did not reduce either disease severity incidence wild-type does. Thus, there between correct capability enzymes trigger plant defense systems F.