Physiology of parasitism of Pythium Aphanidermatum (Edson) fitz. inciting soft-rot of ginger(Zingiber officinale rose)

Abstract

A study on production of pectic enzymes in five liquid media was made. Pythium aphanidermatum (Edson) Fitz. was found capable of elaborating various pectic enzymes in vitro and in vivo, Estimation of pectic enzymes like pectin methyl esterase (PME), exopolygalacturonase (Exo-PG), endopolygalacturonase (Endo-PG) polygalacturonase transeliminase (PGTE) and macerating activity on potato discs were done in five liquid media on four different days and observed that the rate of production of these enzymes by P. aphanidermatum varied with different media and age of the culture, the maximum production being noted in Conn's medium on the 3rd day. P.aphanidetmatum(Edson)Fitz. was found to produce various pectic enzymes as judged by the in vitro and in vivo studies which play a predominant role in bringing about the tissue degradation and the eventual pathogenesis on the host.