Chemical studies on the exudate and developing sclerotia of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) DeBary

Abstract

The exudate from sclerotia of 6-day-old cultures of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) DeBary was found to contain cations, lipids, ammonia, amino acids, proteins, and various enzymes. Disc-gel electrophoretic patterns of proteins, peroxidase, and polyphenoloxidase isoenzymes of the exudate differed from those of sclerotial extracts. Specific activities for catalase, peroxidase, polyphenoloxidase, and β-glucosidase enzymes of the exudate and sclerotial extracts were very similar. Cellulolytic and polygalacturonase activities for the exudate and sclerotial extracts were demonstrated. The nature and origin of the exudate are briefly discussed.