Effect of hydrolytic enzymes in the pathogenesis of sclerotial root rot of peanut

Abstract

An isolate of Sclerotium rolfsii Sacc. from peanut was found to produce the enzymes endopolygalacturonase (endo-PG) and cellulase (Cxi both in culture as well as in the inoculated peanut hypocotyl tissues. Endo-PG secretion was more during the early stages of growth and pathogenesis. On the other hand high cellulase activity was recorded during advanced stages of pathogenesis and in old cultures. These enzymes were also secreted with cell wall material isolated from the hypocotyl tissues as sole carbon source. The results are discussed as proof of the role of these enzymes in the sclerotial root rot disease of peanuts.