Quantification of polyphenolic compounds and relative gene expression studies of phenylpropanoid pathway in apple (Malus domestica Borkh) in response to Venturia inaequalis infection

Abstract

Apple (Malus domestica Borkh) is rich in phenolic compounds, which may enhance resistance to scab disease caused by Venturia inaequalis. In present study, apple cv. Golden Delicious was used for estimation of total phenols, flavonoids and quantification of six individual phenolic compounds. between control vs inoculated samples at different inoculation stages. The relative gene expression of phenylalanine ammonia lyase, chalcone synthase and flavanone 3 hydroxylase increased and polyphenolic compounds were constitutively upregulated at different post-inoculation stages. Data suggest that synthesis and accumulation of polyphenols is closely related with disease resistance against Venturia inaequalis. This study may play a vital role in understanding and finding out the governing mechanisms of scab resistance.

Keywords: Apple; Phenylalanine ammonia lyase; Polyphenols; Resistance; Venturia inaequalis.