Information from the abstract
Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB), caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), is the most destructive citrus disease worldwide, characterised by phloem occlusion via callose (β-1,3-glucan) deposition and subsequent pathological starch accumulation. This study investigated genotype-specific metabolic shifts in Citrus medica L. (Citron), C. reticulata cv. Fremont (Fremont mandarin), and C. reticulata cv. Sai-Nam-Phueng (Tangerine) under asymptomatic and symptomatic HLB conditions and evaluated the potential of enzymatic hydrolysis to mitigate polysaccharide accumulation. Multi-platform metabolomics (LC-MS, GC-MS, and ¹H NMR) combined with glycoarray profiling revealed that CLas infection triggers comprehensive biochemical restructuring. While symptomatic tissues universally exhibited high bacterial load and genotype-dependent antioxidant responses, metabolic reprogramming was genotype-dependent. Citron displayed the most profound disruption, characterised by the depletion of signalling lipids (α-linolenic acid) and defence-related coumarins, alongside the retention of osmoprotectants (proline betaine). Conversely, Fremont mandarin exhibited a highly stable metabolic profile, while Sai-Nam-Phueng showed significant callose accumulation and flavonoid induction. A conserved stress-response volatile marker was identified across all infected genotypes at GC-MS retention time 56.39 min (Rtx-5ms capillary column, 30 m × 0.25 mm ID, 0.25 µm). Glycoarray analysis indicated the dominance of β-1,3-glucans in symptomatic tissues, which correlated with the formation of massive starch aggregates (300–500 μm) visualised by scanning electron microscopy. Crucially, ex vivo application of commercial α-amylase partially hydrolysed up to 10% of these starch deposits under ex vivo conditions. These findings elucidate distinct tolerance mechanisms involving lipid signalling turnover and osmotic regulation and suggest that while amylase specifically targets starch rather than callose, reducing this secondary starch accumulation represents a preliminary proof-of-concept that warrants further in vivo investigation before therapeutic claims can be substantiated.
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Related topics: Phytoplasmas and Hemiptera pathogens · Polysaccharides and Plant Cell Walls · Cocoa and Sweet Potato Agronomy
Thai researcher and institutional participation
Sarana Rose Sommano · Pirawan Chaiwan · Jiraporn Sangta · Tibet Tangpao · Malaiporn Wongkeaw · Chiang Mai University · Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna
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