Detection of Chitinases in Potato Plants Following Infection With the Potato Cyst Nematodes, Globodera Rostochiensis and G. Pallida

Changes in chitinase activity were observed following infection of three potato clones (12380, P55/7 and Maris Piper) with four pathotypes of the potato cyst nematodes, Globodera rostochiensis and G. pallida. Following invasion, the intercellular fluid of the leaves of all the plants tested showed marked increases in exochitinase activity. In contrast, after removal of intercellular fluid the leaf homogenates showed only a limited increase in endochitinase activity. In roots, endochitinases were significantly increased in 12380 following invasion by G. pallida Pal and G. rostochiensis Ro1 and Ro5 but not by G. pallida Pa2/3. The largest increase in exochitinase activity in the roots of 12380 was observed after invasion by G. pallida Pa1. The possible role of these chitinases in potato-nematode interactions is discussed.