Control of black spot disease caused by Alternaria alternata on jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill. cv. Dongzao) using Harpin_Xoo protein

Summary

Currently, no adequate control measures exist for the fungal disease, black spot (Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler) on ‘Dongzao’ jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill. cv. Dongzao). Black spot is an important factor limiting jujube fruit yield under certain conditions. In this study, three concentrations (10, 20, or 30 µg ml^–1) of the Harpin_Xoo protein, or water (negative control), were sprayed onto ‘Dongzao’ jujube trees to control black spot disease. Following Harpin_Xoo protein treatment, its effects on the control of black spot disease were determined, and the levels of a defence-related substance [i.e., salicylic acid (SA)], and the activities of peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) were measured. The incidence of black spot disease was significantly decreased, compared with water-treated control, fruit by ≤ 88.4%. After 2 d, SA levels, and POD, PPO, and PAL activities in Harpin_Xoo-treated fruit were clearly higher than those in control fruit. After fruit had been stored for 45 d at 0ºC, SA levels, and POD and PPO activities showed no differences between the Harpin_Xoo treatments and the controls, but PAL activities in Harpin_Xoo-treated fruit were lower than those in the controls. The most appropriate concentration of Harpin_Xoo protein to control black spot disease was 20 µg a.i. ml^–1. These results suggest that the Harpin_Xoo protein induced systemic acquired resistance in ‘Dongzao’ jujube trees and may offer a worthwhile strategy for disease control.