The effect of the root-colonizing Piriformospora indica on passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) development: Initial defense shifts to fitness benefits and higher fruit quality. (15th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yan, Chaojun; Muhammad Rizwan, Hafiz; Liang, Dangdi; Reichelt, Michael; Mithöfer, Axel; Scholz, Sandra S.; Oelmüller, Ralf; Chen, Faxing
• Is Part Of: Food chemistry. Volume 359(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-10-15
• Subjects: Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) -- Piriformospora indica -- Metabolite profile -- Growth stimulation -- Growth-defense trade-off -- Salicylic acid; Food -- Analysis -- Periodicals; Food -- Composition -- Periodicals; 664
• DOI: 10.1016/j.foodchem.2021.129671
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0308-8146

Abstract

Highlights: P. indica influences the growth and immunity of passion fruit plants throughout the plant life. However/In comparison, P.indica promotes the growth of passion fruit seedlings in the late growth period. SA accumulation and SA-related defensive responses are higher in colonized plants. More flavonoids or flavonoid contents were determined in colonized passion fruit peels compared to the control peels. Metabolite profile analysis shows that P. indica can improve the fruit quality. Abstract: Passion fruit ( Passiflora edulis ) has an important economic value as exotic ingredient in juice blends. We inoculated the passion fruit cultivar Passiflora edulis Sims f. edulis 's roots with the beneficial root-colonizing fungus Piriformospora indica under greenhouse conditions. The experiments were performed at three different locations and times (between 2017 and 2019). After transient initial growth retardation associated with a mild salicylic-acid (SA)-dependent defense activation and reduced sucrose metabolism, plant performance and growth are promoted during later stages. The elevated SA level in the aerial parts stimulates the plant immune system and promotes pathogen resistance in the adult plants and the fruit peels. P. indica stimulates the fruit size and fruit quality, and the higher amounts of defense-related secondary metabolites in the peels restrict growth of herbivorous insect larvae fed with peel extracts. We conclude that application of P. indica to passion fruits stimulates the plants' immune system and improves the fruits' quality.