Manuka Honey Reduces the Virulence of Pectobacterium brasiliense by Suppressing Genes That Encode Plant Cell Wall-Degrading Enzymes

The primary virulence of soft rot pectobacteria, including Pectobacterium brasiliense, is mainly determined by the massive production plant cell wall-degrading enzymes (PCWDEs), which promote tissue maceration in many crops. antibiotic treatment to treat bacterial causes environmental problems and potentially affects resistance. Antibiotic resistance driving interest antimicrobial treatments, no organism has been reported have acquired honey. However, use honey as a therapeutic agent for pathogens rarely studied. Therefore, this study was undertaken determine vitro effect Manuka against P. brasiliense at phenotypic genotypic levels. A sublethal concentration growth inhibition assay broth medium containing different concentrations macerating performed on orchid leaves, activities PCWDEs were examined plate assays. expression PCWDE-associated genes investigated using semi-quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. exposure significantly decreased ability synthesis PCWDEs, i.e., pectate lyase, polygalacturonase, protease. Moreover, five PCWDEs-encoding genes, such pelA, pelB, pelC, pehA, prtW, had lower levels after compared with recA internal standard. associated PCWDEs. reduced suppressing PCWDE genes.