Hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein accumulation in tobacco leaves protected against Erysiphe cichoracearum by potato virus Y infection

Tobacco cv. Havana 425 acquired resistance to a compatible isolate of Erysiphe cichoracearum after infection by a strain of potato virus Y (PVY^N) that causes veinal necrosis; another common strain (PVY^O) that does not cause necrosis gave less protection. Hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins (HRGPs), believed to be involved in resistance, were determined by analysing hydroxyproline (Hyp) in purified cell walls. Hyp content increased significantly in PVY^N-protected leaves, compared with untreated controls, 2–4 days after necrotic lesion symptoms developed. No further increase in Hyp was noted in PVY^N-protected leaves after E. cichoracearum challenge. Hyp increases were significantly higher in protected leaves of plants showing symptoms on day 7 than on day 10. Infection with the PVY^O strain caused significant decrease in Hyp content, compared with uninoculated controls. Inoculation of virus-free plants with E. cichoracearum induced moderate and transitory Hyp increases on day 2 or 3, followed by a quick decrease associated with a weak response by the compatible host. It is suggested that HRGP accumulation induced by PVY^N (but not by PVY^O) causes changes in the host cell wall that result in resistance to E. cichoracearum .