15 research outputs found
Metabolomic Analysis of Citrus Infection by â<i>Candidatus</i> Liberibacterâ Reveals Insight into Pathogenicity
Huanglongbing (HLB), considered the most serious citrus
disease in the world, is associated with the nonculturable bacterium
â<i>Candidatus</i> Liberibacter asiaticusâ
(Las). Infection of citrus by this pathogen leads to reduced plant
vigor and productivity, ultimately resulting in death of the infected
tree. It can take up to two years following initial infection before
outward symptoms become apparent, making detection difficult. The
existing knowledge gap in our understanding of Las and its pathogenesis
leading to HLB has stymied development of treatments and methods to
mitigate the pathogenâs influence. To evaluate the influence
of Las on fruit quality in both symptomatic and asymptomatic fruit,
and gain further insight into the pathogenesis of the disease, a <sup>1</sup>H NMR metabolomics investigation, complemented with physicochemical
and analyte-specific analyses, was undertaken. Comparison of the juice
obtained from oranges gathered from Las<sup>+</sup> (symptomatic and
asymptomatic) and Las<sup>â</sup> (healthy) trees revealed
significant differences in the concentrations of sugars, amino and
organic acids, limonin glucoside, and limonin. This study demonstrates
differing metabolic profiles in the juice of oranges from Las<sup>+</sup> and Las<sup>â</sup> and proposes how Las may be able
to evade citrus defense responses