ARS | Publication request: Changes in expression of oxidative stress related genes in grapefruit peel in response to yeast Metschnikowia fructicola

Submitted to: Acta Horticulturae
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: June 30, 2011
Publication Date: August 31, 2011
Citation: Hershkovitz, V., Ben-Dayan, C., Cohen, L., Weiss, B., Raphael, G., Feygenberg, O., Droby, S., Wisniewski, M.E. 2011. Changes in expression of oxidative stress related genes in grapefruit peel in response to yeast Metschnikowia fructicola. Acta Horticulturae. 905:107-119.

Technical Abstract: To gain insight into the mode of action of the yeast biocontrol agent, Metschnikowia fructicola, the transcription profiles of genes involved in oxidative stress were studied in grapefruit (Citrus paradis, 'Star Ruby') surface wounds following the application of the yeast antagonist. Three transcripts encoding peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were selected for temporal expression analysis by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). The application of the yeast antagonist on surface wounds significantly decreased the expression levels of POD and CAT genes compared to control wounds. Moreover, this suppression was correlated with significantly higher levels in hydrogen peroxide, superoxide, and hydroxyl production in yeast-treated surface wounds. Together, our findings demonstrate that the M. fructicola application is involved in regulation of oxidative stress and acts to induce ROS production in grapefruit.