Biochemical alterations in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) infected with ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’ related strain (16SrI-B subgroup)

OpenAlex İngilizce

Phytoplasma infections are able to limit the lettuce growth around the world. The alterations of biochemical contents in the host physiology following phytoplasma infection in lettuce remain to be elucidated. In this study, changes in total protein and chlorophyll content, proline, malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation, peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) enzyme levels were investigated in leaves of lettuce plant after Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris infection. Symptoms observed in plants infected with phytoplasma were yellowing, little leaf, stunting, and a general decline. Phytoplasma agent detected in all infected lettuce by PCR-RFLP studies. Total protein and chlorophyll contents of phytoplasma-infected plants were lower than those of healthy control. Proline, MDA accumulation, POX and CAT enzyme activities were increased in infected plants as compared to those of control. The results show that phytoplasma infection can modify the host physiology of lettuce. In conclusion, this study indicated that the previously identified Ca. P. asteris was still pathogen with no changes in its DNA sequence and it was able to reduce the quality parameters of the lettuce plant and possess potential danger to the lettuce growing areas.