Botryosphaeriales fungi produce extracellular enzymes with biotechnological potential

Abstract

Phytopathogenic fungi are known for producing an arsenal of extracellular enzymes whose involvement in the infection mechanism has been suggested. However, these enzymes are largely unknown and their biotechnological potential also remains poorly understood. In this study, the production and thermostability of extracellular enzymes produced by phytopathogenic Botryosphaeriaceae was investigated. Hydrolytic and oxidative activities were detected and quantified at different temperatures. Most strains (70%; 37/53) were able to produce simultaneously cellulases, laccases, xylanases, pectinases, pectin lyases, amylases, lipases, and proteases. Surprisingly for mesophilic filamentous fungi, several enzymes proved to be thermostable: cellulases from Neofusicoccum mediterraneum CAA 001 and from Dothiorella prunicola CBS 124723, lipases from Diplodia pinea (CAA 015 and CBS 109726), and proteases from Melanops tulasnei CBS 116806 were more active at 70 °C than at any of the other temperatures tested. In addition, lipases produced by Diplodia pinea were found to be significantly more active than any other known lipase from Botryosphaeriales. The thermal activity profile and the wide array of activities secreted by these fungi make them optimal producers of biotechnologically relevant enzymes that may be applied in the food and the health industries (proteases), the pulp-and-paper and biofuel industries (cellulases), or even in the detergent industry (lipases, proteases, amylases, and cellulases).

Endophytic Fungi from Frankincense Tree Improves Host Growth and Produces Extracellular Enzymes and Indole Acetic Acid

“…The in situ production of such enzymes in the host by endophytes has not been elucidated fully, but this potential can maintain a continuous supply of adjoining nutrients and resistance mechanisms against pathogenic invasion [ 17 , 56 ]. The production of extracellular enzymes for the penetration and limited colonization of selected plant cells is a common trait of endophytic fungi [ 19 , 56 – 57 ]. In the present study, cellulases, phosphatases and glucosidases were quantified using fluorogenic substrates.…”

Strain‐related pathogenicity in Diplodia corticola

“…Strains were selected for having different PCR typing profiles, for being isolated from different hosts and different geographical locations. Fungal cultures used for plant inoculation were grown on PDA medium at 25°C for 7 days prior to the inoculations (Esteves, Saraiva, Correia, & Alves, 2014).…”

Ecology and Epidemiology of Diseases of Nut Crops and Olives Caused by Botryosphaeriaceae Fungi in California and Spain

“…can develop an appressorium that facilitates mechanical penetration of host tissue (Kim et al 1999). The pathogens frequently produce enzymes, which help to break down the cuticle and cell walls, and toxins (botryosphaerans, isosclerone, and tyrosol) that aid colonization (Andolfi et al 2011;Esteves et al 2014). Botryosphaeriaceae species can also cause infection directly through natural openings such as stomata and lenticels (Kim et al 1999;Michailides 1991).…”