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School of Engineering and Science - Jacobs University

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Introduction<br />

the following necrosis <strong>of</strong> the adjacent tissue cuts the pathogen <strong>of</strong>f from its<br />

nutrients. It thus is unable to spread <strong>and</strong> multiply <strong>and</strong> will finally die.<br />

(Hutcheson, 2001; Klement, 1963). The localized response is followed by a<br />

systemic defense reaction, which is mediated by the plant messenger<br />

molecules salicylic acid (Baker et al., 1997). This reaction is referred to as<br />

systemic acquired resistance (SAR; (Ross, 1962; van Loon et al., 1998a).<br />

A pathogen that is recognized by the plant is called “incompatible” to the<br />

respective host plant. The plant is non-susceptible. In case <strong>of</strong> a so-called<br />

“compatible” pathogen host interaction, the pathogen suppresses or modifies<br />

plant defense in such a way, that it is not attacked (Staskawicz et al., 2001).<br />

It proliferates causing visible disease symptoms as it nourishes on plant<br />

material. New inoculum is spread from the infested tissue <strong>and</strong> the disease cycle<br />

continues (Fig.2).<br />

Fig. 2. Life cycle <strong>of</strong> plant pathogens.<br />

The simplified life cycle <strong>of</strong> plant pathogenic<br />

microorganisms divides into two parts.<br />

During the epiphytic phase (left half <strong>of</strong> the<br />

cycle) the pathogen is distributed to new<br />

locations were it colonizes plant surfaces.<br />

Under favourable environmental conditions<br />

<strong>and</strong> in the presence <strong>of</strong> suitable entry sites,<br />

the pathogen invades the plant tissue. In<br />

an incompatible system the pathogen is<br />

recognized by the host <strong>and</strong> plant defence<br />

is activated. During hypersensitive<br />

response (HR) the pathogen is killed <strong>and</strong><br />

the respective plant tissue becomes<br />

necrotic. The surviving plant enters a state<br />

<strong>of</strong> enhanced disease resistance (SAR).<br />

In a compatible system the pathogen<br />

remains undetected or is able to<br />

manipulate plant defence reactions. After<br />

achieving a threshold density it enters into<br />

the pathogenic phase (right half <strong>of</strong> the<br />

cycle). By expression <strong>of</strong> virulence factors it<br />

attacks surrounding tissue <strong>and</strong> further<br />

proliferates on the nutrients gained from<br />

the plant. The pathogen is distributed from<br />

the infected tissue <strong>and</strong> again enters into<br />

the epiphytic phase.<br />

7

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