Comparison of enzymes and phenolic compounds in three citrus species infected with Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus

Abstract

The objective was to determine differences in antioxidant enzyme activity and total phenol concentration in Mexican lime plants (Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.) Swingle), Persian lime (Citrus latifolia Tanaka); and Valencia sweet orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck). Infected under natural field conditions with Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CaLas), in Bustamante, Tamaulipas, Mexico. The presence of CaLas was determined by qPCR. We determined the enzymatic activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), which is activated by pathogen attack; the peroxidase involved in wall lignification in response to infection; the α-amylase which degrades starch and accumulates in vascular tissue; and phenolic compounds involved in defense functions. A contrasts analysis was performed. Total protein concentration showed significant differences between species (P <0.0001). With a mean of 6.1 and 6.37 mg of protein per g of fresh tissue for infected Mexican lime trees, and sweet orange negative CaLas. The peroxidase activity presented a significant difference for Persian lime (P=0.0341), with a mean of 1.96 U.mg of protein-¹. In sweet orange, higher α-amylase activity was observed in CaLas infected trees (1.19 U.mg protein-¹). The concentration of PAL and total phenols did not show significant differences between species. In the present study it was observed that CaLas influences the enzymatic activity of Citrus species.