Enhanced peroxidase activity associated with the hypersensitive response of Solanum dulcamara to the gall mite Aceria cladophthirus (Acari: Eriophyoidea)

Abstract

Peroxidase activity and its electrophoretic pattern were studied in resistant Solanum dulcamara leaves following infestation by the gall mite Aceria cladophthirus. Total peroxidase activity increased in infested leaves and was related to enhancement of three major peroxidase isozymes. The highest activity was found for the intercellular peroxidases. The extraction procedures used suggest that these peroxidases are pathogenesis-related proteins. These results are discussed with reference to the lack of lignin barrier around the mite-induced necrotic local lesions. Key words: Aceria cladophthirus, gall mite, Solanum dulcamara, resistant plant, pathogenesis-related proteins, peroxidases isozymes.