Identification of metabolic pathways expressed by Pichia anomala Kh6 in the presence of the pathogen Botrytis cinerea on apple: new possible targets for biocontrol improvement

PLoS One. 2014 Mar 10;9(3):e91434. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091434. eCollection 2014.

Abstract

Yeast Pichia anomala strain Kh6 Kurtzman (Saccharomycetales: Endomycetaceae) exhibits biological control properties that provide an alternative to the chemical fungicides currently used by fruit or vegetable producers against main post-harvest pathogens, such as Botrytis cinerea (Helotiales: Sclerotiniaceae). Using an in situ model that takes into account interactions between organisms and a proteomic approach, we aimed to identify P. anomala metabolic pathways influenced by the presence of B. cinerea. A total of 105 and 60 P. anomala proteins were differentially represented in the exponential and stationary growth phases, respectively. In the exponential phase and in the presence of B. cinerea, the pentose phosphate pathway seems to be enhanced and would provide P. anomala with the needed nucleic acids and energy for the wound colonisation. In the stationary phase, P. anomala would use alcoholic fermentation both in the absence and presence of the pathogen. These results would suggest that the competitive colonisation of apple wounds could be implicated in the mode of action of P. anomala against B. cinerea.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Botrytis / physiology*
  • Fungal Proteins / metabolism
  • Malus / microbiology*
  • Metabolic Networks and Pathways*
  • Pentose Phosphate Pathway
  • Pest Control, Biological
  • Pichia / growth & development
  • Pichia / metabolism*
  • Proteome / metabolism

Substances

  • Fungal Proteins
  • Proteome

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the Belgian Fond National de la Recherche Scientifique (FNRS, FRFC 2.4.574.08.F convention) [URL: http://www.frs-fnrs.be/]. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.