Journal of Pathogens (Jan 2011)

Structural and Biochemical Changes in Salicylic-Acid-Treated Date Palm Roots Challenged with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis

  • Abdelhi Dihazi,
  • Mohammed Amine Serghini,
  • Fatima Jaiti,
  • Fouad Daayf,
  • Azeddine Driouich,
  • Hassan Dihazi,
  • Ismail El Hadrami

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4061/2011/280481
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2011

Abstract

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Histochemical and ultrastructural analyses were carried out to assess structural and biochemical changes in date palm roots pretreated with salicylic acid (SA) then inoculated with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis (Foa). Flavonoids, induced proteins, and peroxidase activity were revealed in root tissues of SA-treated plants after challenge by Foa. These reactions were closely associated with plant resistance to Foa. Host reactions induced after inoculation of SA-treated plants with Foa included the plugging of intercellular spaces, the deposition of electron-dense materials at the sites of pathogen penetration, and several damages to fungal cells. On the other hand, untreated inoculated plants showed marked cell wall degradation and total cytoplasm disorganization, indicating the protective effects provided by salicylic acid in treated plants.