The enzymatic arsenal of Discula destructiva: strategies for understanding and managing the dogwood anthracnose pathogen.

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of fungal diseases poses major threats to agricultural productivity and biodiversity, particularly in the context of plant-pathogen interactions. Understanding the mechanisms by which pathogens such as Discula destructiva cause disease and losses in dogwoods, important forest plants and nursery ornamental crops, is crucial for developing effective management strategies. This study focuses on the enzymatic activities of D. destructiva, the causal agent of dogwood anthracnose, and their role in facilitating pathogenicity in Cornus spp. We hypothesized that D. destructiva produces higher levels of extracellular hydrolytic and oxidative enzymes compared with other Discula species, which could enhance its ability to invade and degrade host plant tissues. Our findings revealed that isolates of D. destructiva exhibit elevated enzymatic activities, specifically with abundant polyphenol oxidase activity. Additionally, we assessed the influence of environmental factors, such as pH and medium composition, on pathogen growth, demonstrated that optimal growth occurs at pH 4.5, whereas alkaline conditions inhibited growth dynamics. These insights suggest that managing environmental conditions or fungicide formulations could be an effective strategy for controlling the spread of dogwood anthracnose pathogen, thereby emphasizing the importance of enzymatic profiles in fungal pathogenicity.