Protein, Esterase, and Peroxidase Patterns in the Phytophthora Palmivora Complex from Cacao

SUMMARY

Buffer-soluble, nonspecific protein and enzyme patterns from polyacryl-amide-disc-gel electrophoresis were compared for three morphological forms (MF) and one “other type” of Phytophthora palmivora from cacao (Theobroma cacao) and for the type cultures of P. capsici and P. cinnamomi. Comparison of the total protein patterns indicated that each MF produced consistent major bands distinctly different from those of other MFs. Clear differences between MFs were also obtained in esterase patterns, but there were fewer differences in their peroxidase patterns. Protein and enzyme patterns from the type cultures of P. capsici and P. cinnamomi were strikingly different from each other and from those of most of the cacao isolates; some similarities were noted between MF4 and P. capsici. These results and other morphological studies indicate that the three MFs of P. palmivora are sufficiently different to be classified as three distinct species.