Serendipita indica chitinase protects rice from the blast and bakanae diseases

Abstract

Serendipita indica, a multifunctional and useful endophyte fungus, has been intensively investigated in promoting plant growth and resistance towards biotic and abiotic stress. Multiple chitinases from microorganisms or plants have been identified to have a high antifungal activity as a biological control.However, chitinase of S. indica still needs to be characterized. We functionally characterized a chitinase (SiChi) in S. indica. The result showed that the purified SiChi protein confers high chitinase activity; importantly, SiChi inhibits the conidial germination of Magnaporthe oryzae and Fusarium moniliforme. After the successful colonization of rice roots by S. indica, both the rice blast disease and bakanae disease were significantly reduced. Interestingly, the purified SiChi could promptly induce rice disease resistance towards M. oryzae and F. moniliforme pathogens when sprayed on rice leaves. Like S. indica, SiChi could upregulate rice pathogen-resistant proteins and defense enzymes. In conclusion, chitinase of S. indica has direct antifungal activity and indirect induced resistance activity, implying an efficient and economic strategy for rice disease control by applying S. indica and SiChi.

A Novel Bacillus Velezensis for Efficient Degradation of Zearalenone

“…Cellulose synthase enzymes have the function of catalyzing cellulose synthesis and secreting polymers through transmembrane channels formed by transmembrane regions [55]. Chitinase not only enhances the ability to resist pathogenic bacteria but also exhibits inhibitory effects on human tumor cells [56]. Beta-glucosidase is a type of cellulase, possessing functions such as antioxidant properties, blood sugar regulation, digestive enhancement, and assisting in alleviating symptoms of anemia [57].…”