Abstract

SANDOVAL-CHAVEZ, Rocío Aurora et al. Mechanisms of resistance in postharvest fruit-pathogen interaction. Rev. Chapingo Ser.Hortic [online]. 2015, vol.21, n.3, pp.185-198. ISSN 2007-4034.  https://doi.org/10.5154/r.rchsh.2014.11.050.

The objective of this review was to bring together concepts related to studies aimed at elucidating defense mechanisms against disease-causing agents, mainly in postharvest. Like plants, fruits are exposed to attack by pathogens that cause rot during postharvest storage, resulting in considerable losses. To control these pathogens, synthetic chemicals are used; however, since they are toxic, genetic resistance is regarded as a viable alternative. Fruits can withstand pathogens by means of physical barriers (presence of thick cuticular or trichome layers) and chemical ones, or through induced defenses that are activated once the host detects the presence of the pathogen, triggering the oxidative burst during the early hours of interaction. This burst entails the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as superoxide (O₂^-), hydroxyl radical (OH^-) or hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and the activation of genes involved in several metabolic pathways. The study of such mechanisms may allow detecting disease-resistant genetic materials, thus reducing the use of toxic products.

Keywords : constitutive defenses; induced defenses; postharvest diseases; phytopathogen; defense mechanisms.

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