Hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein accumulation in tobacco leaves protected against Erysiphe cichoracearum by potato virus Y infection

Tobacco cv. Havana 425 acquired resistance to a compatible isolate of Erysiphe cichoracearum after infection by a strain of potato virus Y (PVYN) that causes veinal necrosis; another common strain (PVYO) that does not cause necrosis gave less protection. Hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins (HRGPs), believed to be involved in resistance, were determined by analysing hydroxyproline (Hyp) in purified cell walls. Hyp content increased significantly in PVYN-protected leaves, compared with untreated controls, 2-4 days after necrotic lesion symptoms developed. No further increase in Hyp was noted in PVYN-protected leaves after E. cichoracearum challenge. Hyp increases were significantly higher in protected leaves of plants showing symptoms on day 7 than on day 10. Infection with the PVYO strain caused significant decrease in Hyp content, compared with uninoculated controls. Inoculation of virus-free plants with E. cichoracearum induced moderate and transitory Hyp increases on day 2 or 3, followed by a quick decrease associated with a weak response by the compatible host. It is suggested that HRGP accumulation induced by PVYN (but not by PVYO) causes changes in the host cell wall that result in resistance to E. cichoracearum.