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PubMed1999

Determination of residues of the plant growth regulator chlormequat in pears by ion-exchange high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray mass spectrometry.

We report a method which we have used routinely for the determination of chlormequat residues in pears. After extraction with methanol, determination was performed, without clean-up, by ion-exchange HPLC using an SCX column eluted with aqueous ammonium formate-methanol, and HPLC-MS with an electrospray interface. MS and MS-MS were employed concurrently, using selected ion monitoring and selected reaction monitoring, respectively, of the 35Cl and 37Cl isotopes of the chlormequat cation and the CID transitions of each of these precursors to the common product ion at m/z 58. The method was suitable for determinations at concentrations of chlormequat cation of 0.04 mg kg-1. Concentrations determined using the four signals were in good agreement (mean RSD 3%). The mean recovery of chlormequat cation at 0.16 mg kg-1, measured using the m/z 122-->58 signal, was 86% (RSD 7%) under repeatability conditions and 88% (RSD 15%) in routine application of the method over a 3 month period. Analysis of an in-house reference sample of pears, similarly analysed over the 3 month period, gave an RSD of 10% with a mean of 0.14 mg kg-1. Mean recovery at 0.016 mg kg-1, under repeatability conditions on two occasions, was 101% (RSD 6%) and 56% (RSD 12%).

Chlormequat↗
PubMed2002

Changes in the phosphorylation state of sucrose synthase during development of Japanese pear fruit.

Changes in the protein level and phosphorylation state of sucrose synthase (SS) were studied throughout the development of Japanese pear fruit. The level of SS protein was high at the young stage, dropped with fruit enlargement and increased again with fruit maturation. Antibody against phospho-Ser reacted with SS from young fruit, but did not react with SS that had been dephosphorylated by alkaline phosphatase (AP). The activities of SS isozymes were separated by ion-exchange chromatography. It was found that the fluctuation in SS activity was caused by two SS isozymes (SSI and SSII); (SSI reacted with antibody against phospho-Ser, while SSII did not. Phosphorylation of SS affected its kinetic parameters, that is, the affinity of phosphorylated SS for UDP was higher than that of dephosphorylated SS, while it was the contrary for UDP-glucose. The reaction of dephosphorylated SS was inclined toward sucrose synthesis more than that of phosphorylated SS. Phosphorylated SS protein was most abundant in young fruit, but decreased with fruit development, while non-phosphorylated SS protein increased in mature fruit. These results suggest that SS isoforms may be affected by post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation, and that the regulation of phosphorylation may potentially control the properties and functions of SS throughout the development of Japanese pear fruit.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1978

Inhibition of growth and guanylate cyclase activity of an undifferentiated prostate adenocarcinoma by an extract of the balsam pear (Momordica charantia abbreviata).

We have recently described the presence of a guanylate cyclase [GTP pyrophosphate-lyase (cyclizing), EC 4.6.1.2] inhibitor (GCI) in an aqueous extract of the balsam pear (Momordica charantia abbreviata). Because the guanylate cyclase-cyclic GMP system is though to be involved in cell growth, DNA and RNA synthesis, and possible malignant transformation, we examined the effect of the aqueous extract containing GCI on an undifferentiated adenocarcinoma of the rat prostate and concanavalin-A-stimulated [3H]thymidine incorporation into cultured splenic lymphocytes, a process thought to be mediated by cyclic GMP. The results demonstrate that the extract of the balsam pear blocks both the growth of the rat prostatic adencarcinoma in vitro and [3H]thymidine incorporation into DNA. DNA histograms from flow cytometry indicated that the extract containing GCI inhibited in the G2 + M phase of the cell cycle, a presumed locus of cyclic GMP effects. In addition, guanylate cyclase activity was significantly greater in the tumor than normal prostate tissue and was decreased by the extract containing GCI. Cyclic GMP levels in the tumor in culture wer also decreased by addition of the extract. It remains to be determined whether or not the anti-tumor agent and GCI are the same substance.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed2003

Effects of branch solid Fe sulphate implants on xylem sap composition in field-grown peach and pear: changes in Fe, organic anions and pH.

The effects of placing solid implants containing Fe sulfate in branches of Fe-deficient pear and peach trees on the composition of the xylem sap have been studied. Iron sulfate implants are commercially used in northeastern Spain to control iron chlorosis in fruit trees. Implants increased Fe concentrations and decreased organic acid concentrations in the xylem sap, whereas xylem sap pH was only moderately changed. The citrate to Fe ratios decreased markedly after implants, therefore improving the possibility that Fe could be reduced by the leaf plasma membrane enzyme reductase, known to be inhibited by high citrate/Fe ratios. In peach, the effects of the implants could be observed many months post treatment. In pear, some effects were still observed one year after the implants had taken place. Results obtained indicate that solid Fe sulfate implants were capable of significantly changing the chemical composition of the xylem sap in fruit trees.

Anions↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Production of patulin by different strains of Penicillium expansum in pear and apple cultivars stored at different temperatures and modified atmospheres.

It was shown that the ability of three different strains of Penicillium expansum (NRRL 2034, NRRL 6069, and CBS 481.84) to grow and to produce patulin in pears (cv. Spadona) and apples (cv. Starking) varied under the different temperatures tested (0, 3, 6, 17 and 25 degrees C). Strain NRRL 2034 did not produce patulin at 0 or 25 degrees C while the two other strains produced the toxin at all temperatures, the maximum production occurring at 25 degrees C (for pears) and 17 degrees C (for apples). No significant differences in pathogenicity, as determined by lesion diameter, was recorded among the strains. Patulin production was totally inhibited when the fungi were grown in apples stored under 3% CO2/2% O2 (25 degrees C). The weight of infected tissue in apples contaminated with any of the strains and stored at that modified atmosphere was 70% that of the control. Under 3% CO2/10% O2 or 3% CO2/20% O2, strain NRRL 2034 did not produce patulin while the two other strains produced the toxin in different amounts.

Carbon Dioxide↗
PubMed2001

Iron deficiency-associated changes in the composition of the leaf apoplastic fluid from field-grown pear (Pyrus communis L.) trees.

Experiments have been carried out with field-grown pear trees to investigate the effect of iron chlorosis on the composition of the leaf apoplast. Iron deficiency was associated with an increase in the leaf apoplastic pH from the control values of 5.5-5.9 to 6.5-6.6, as judged from direct pH measurements in apoplastic fluid obtained by centrifugation and fluorescence of leaves incubated with 5-CF. The major organic acids found in leaf apoplastic fluid of iron-deficient and iron-sufficient pear leaves were malate, citrate and ascorbate. The total concentration of organic acids was 2.9 mM in the controls and increased to 5.5 mM in Fe-deficient leaves. The total apoplastic concentration of inorganic cations (Ca, K and Mg) increased with Fe deficiency from 15 to 20 mM. The total apoplastic concentration of inorganic anions (Cl-, NO3-, SO4(2-) and HPO4(2-)) did not change with Fe deficiency. Iron concentrations decreased from 4 to 1.6 microM with Fe deficiency. The major Fe species predicted to exist in the apoplast was [FeCitOH](-1) in both Fe-sufficient and deficient leaves. Organic acids in whole leaf homogenates increased from 20 to 40 nmol x m(-2) with Fe deficiency. The accumulation of organic anions in the Fe-deficient leaves does not appear to be associated to an increased C fixation in leaves, but rather it seems to be a consequence of C transport via xylem.

Anions↗
PubMed2006

Effect of girdling above the abscission zone of fruit on 'Bartlett' pear ripening on the tree.

Pear fruit usually soften and develop a melting texture when harvested at the mature green stage and ripened. The reason why the fruit does not fully ripen on the tree is unknown. To clarify this, our attention was directed to the continuous supply of assimilates and/or other substances into the fruit via phloem transport. To determine the effect of inhibiting phloem transport on fruit ripening on the tree, a girdling treatment was applied to the branch above the abscission zone of 'Bartlett' pear (Pyrus communis L.). Girdling significantly enhanced the ethylene production of fruit on day 12 compared with control fruit. Fruit softening was also stimulated by girdling. On day 8, flesh firmness was similar in treated fruit on the tree and in fruit off the tree, and was significantly lower than that of untreated fruit on the tree. The patterns of transcript accumulation for the ethylene biosynthetic [1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) synthase (PcACS) and ACC oxidase (PcACO)] and polygalacturonase (PcPG1 and PcPG3) genes showed good correspondence with ethylene production and fruit softening, respectively. Thus, fruit ripening on the tree was stimulated via ethylene by girdling on the branch above the abscission zone of fruit to interrupt phloem transport. Assimilates and/or other substances in phloem sap may prevent fruit ripening on the tree.

Agriculture↗
PubMed1996

Identification and partial amino acid sequences of seven S-RNases associated with self-incompatibility of Japanese pear, Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai.

S-allele-specific proteins (S-proteins) were separated and identified by two-dimensional (2D) gel electrophoresis from the style extract of 14 cultivars of Japanese pear, Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai, which exhibits gametophytic self-incompatibility. These S-proteins were 30-32 kDa basic proteins with putative pIs of 9.6-10.1 and were distinct from the other proteins, which were common for all cultivars examined. Each S-protein was assigned to a given S-genotype based on electrophoretic mobility and the partial amino acid sequence. For S1- to S7-proteins, five different N-terminal amino acid sequences sharing the YFQFTQQY sequence were determined. Since the same N-terminal amino acid sequences were found for both S1- and S7-proteins, and for S3- and S5-proteins, the two S-proteins of each pair were distinguished based on their electrophoretic behavior. The internal amino acid sequences of S2- and S4-proteins, determined for Achromobacter protease I (API) digests, revealed that these proteins are S2- and S4-RNases, respectively. In the cultivar Nijisseiki, these two RNases were expressed from the white bud to mature flower stages when the cultivar acquires and enforces self-incompatibility. Osa-nijisseiki, a self-compatible mutant of Nijisseiki, produced S2-RNase, but did not produce S4-RNase. The absence of S4-RNase was also observed in self-compatible offsprings derived from Osa-Nijisseiki. These results suggest that Japanese pear in the family Rosaceae possesses a gametophytic self-incompatibility system involving an S-RNase, and that a reduction or lack of expression of S4-RNase in the style is responsible for the self-compatibility of Osa-Nijisseiki.

Alleles↗
PubMed2004

Abscisic acid is involved in the water stress-induced betaine accumulation in pear leaves.

ABA exogenously applied to the leaves of the whole plants of pear (Pyrus bretschneideri Redh. cv. Suly grafted on Pyrus betulaefolia Rehd.) significantly increased the betaine concentrations in the leaves when the plants were well watered. The plants subjected to 'drought plus ABA' treatment had significantly higher betaine concentrations in their leaves than those given drought treatment alone. The 'drought plus ABA' treatment increased the amount of betaine aldehyde dehydrogenase (BADH, EC 1.2.1.8) and its activity in the leaves more than did the drought treatment alone. The experiments with detached leaves showed that ABA treatment significantly increased the concentration of betaine, activity of BADH and apparent amount of BADH in non-dehydrated leaves, and enhanced the accumulation of betaine, activity of BADH and apparent amount of BADH in dehydrated leaves. These effects of ABA were both time- and dose-dependent. Two ABA isomers, (-)-cis, trans-ABA and 2-trans, 4-trans-ABA, had no effect on the betaine accumulation in the leaves, showing that the ABA-induced effects are specific. These data demonstrate that ABA is involved in the drought-induced betaine accumulation in the pear leaves.

Abscisic Acid↗
PubMed2026

Alternative oxidase pathway inhibits PuWRKY7-PuHDAC15 complex to promote ester aroma synthesis in Nanguo pear.

Volatile esters are key contributors to the characteristic aroma in fruit, and their accumulation directly dictates fruit quality and consumer acceptance. The alternative oxidase pathway is known for its role in regulating fruit quality, but its molecular mechanism in ester aroma accumulation remains unclear. Here, we demonstrated that the alternative oxidase pathway acts as the dominant respiratory pathway in Nanguo pear (Pyrus ussuriensis) during ripening and promotes ester aroma accumulation by increasing histone acetylation levels of PuAAT1 (alcohol acetyltransferase 1), the key gene governing ester synthesis. Further, we identified PuHDAC15 as a critical histone deacetylase that modulates acetylation levels and interacts with the transcription factor PuWRKY7. Mechanistically, PuWRKY7 directly binds to the W-box elements in the PuAAT1 promoter. The PuHDAC15-PuWRKY7 complex acts synergistically to repress PuAAT1 transcription, thereby decreasing its histone acetylation levels and gene expression, and consequently inhibiting ester aroma accumulation in Nanguo pear. This study reveals how the alternative oxidase pathway integrates into fruit aroma formation via epigenetic regulation and gene expression, thereby providing a scientific basis for targeted improvement of fruit quality.

Plant Proteins↗
PubMed2006

The Erwinia amylovora avrRpt2EA gene contributes to virulence on pear and AvrRpt2EA is recognized by Arabidopsis RPS2 when expressed in pseudomonas syringae.

The enterobacterium Erwinia amylovora is a devastating plant pathogen causing necrotrophic fire blight disease of apple, pear, and other rosaceous plants. In an attempt to identify genes induced during infection of host plants, we identified and cloned a putative effector gene, avrRpt2EA. The deduced amino-acid sequence of the translated AvrRpt2EA protein is homologous to the effector protein AvrRpt2 previously reported in Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato. These two proteins share 58% identity (70% similarity) in the functional domain; however, the secretion and translocation signal domain varied. The avrRpt2EA promoter region contains a typical 'hrp box,' which suggests that avrRpt2EA is regulated by the alternative sigma factor, HrpL. avrRpt2EA was detected in all E. amylovora strains tested but not in other closely related Erwinia species. An avrRpt2EA deletion mutant was reduced in its ability to cause systemic infection on immature pear fruits as compared with the wild-type strain, indicating that avrRpt2EA acts as a virulence factor on its native host. Growth of P. syringae pv. tomato DC3000 expressing avrRpt2EA was 10-fold higher than that of P. syringae pv. tomato DC3000 in an Arabidopsis rps2 mutant, indicating that avrRpt2EA promotes virulence of P. syringae pv. tomato DC3000 on Arabidopsis similar to P. syringae pv. tomato avrRpt2. When avrRpt2EA was expressed in P. syringae pv. tomato DC3000 in its native form, a weak hypersensitive response (HR) was induced in Arabidopsis; however, a hybrid protein containing the P. syringae pv. tomato avrRpt2 signal sequence, when expressed from the P syringae pv. tomato avrRpt2 promoter, caused a strong HR. Thus, the signal sequence and promoter of avrRpt2EA may affect its expression, secretion, or translocation, singly or in combination, in P. syringae pv. tomato DC3000. These results indicated that avrRpt2EA is genetically recognized by the RPS2 disease resistance gene in Arabidopsis when expressed in P. syringae pv. tomato DC3000. The results also suggested that although distinct pathogens such as E. amylovora and P. syringae may contain similar effector genes, expression and secretion of these effectors can be under specific regulation by the native pathogen.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2000

Structural and functional complexity of the genomic region controlling AK-toxin biosynthesis and pathogenicity in the Japanese pear pathotype of Alternaria alternata.

The Japanese pear pathotype of Alternaria alternata produces host-specific AK-toxin and causes black spot of Japanese pear. Previously, a cosmid clone, pcAKT-1, was isolated that contains two genes, AKT1 and AKT2, within a 5.0-kb region required for AK-toxin biosynthesis. The wild-type strain has multiple, nonfunctional copies of these genes. In the present study, two additional genes, AKTR-1 and AKT3-1, downstream of AKT2 were identified. Transformation of the wild type with AKTR-1- and AKT3-1-targeting vectors produced toxin-deficient (Tox-), nonpathogenic mutants. DNA gel blot analysis, however, demonstrated that the fragments targeted in Tox- mutants were different from those containing AKTR-1 and AKT3-1 on the transforming vectors. A cosmid clone, pcAKT-2, containing the targeted DNA was isolated and shown to carry two genes, AKTR-2 and AKT3-2, with high similarity to AKTR-1 and AKT3-1, respectively. Transcripts from not only AKTR-2 and AKT3-2 but also AKTR-1 and AKT3-1 were found in the wild type. DNA gel blot analysis with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis showed that AKT1, AKT2, AKT3, and AKTR and their homologues are on a single chromosome. These results indicate the structural and functional complexity of the genomic region controlling AK-toxin biosynthesis.

Alternaria↗
PubMed1992

Pear blister canker viroid is a member of the apple scar skin subgroup (apscaviroids) and also has sequence homology with viroids from other subgroups.

The sequence of pear blister canker viroid (PBCVd), the putative causal agent of pear blister canker (PBC) disease, has been determined. PBCVd consists of a single-stranded circular RNA of 315 nucleotide residues which assumes a branched conformation when it is folded in the model of lowest free energy. PBCVd has highest sequence similarity with grapevine 1B viroid (52.4%), but also contains sequences related to regions present in viroids that belong to different subgroups, suggesting that PBCVd could have developed from RNA recombination between viroids replicating in a common host plant. PBCVd contains almost the entire central sequence which is conserved in the members of the apple scar skin subgroup (apscaviroids) as well as a conserved sequence located in the left-terminal region of apscaviroids and pospiviroids (whose type member is potato spindle tuber viroid). A consensus phylogenetic tree has been obtained in which PBCVd and other viroids previously classified as apscaviroids appear closely related, allowing consideration of PBCVd as a new member of this subgroup.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed2006

Erwinia tasmaniensis sp. nov., a non-phytopathogenic bacterium from apple and pear trees.

Bacteria were isolated from flowers and bark of apple and pear trees at three places in Australia. In Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland, strains with white colonies on nutrient agar were screened for dome-shaped colony morphology on agar with sucrose and were found to be closely related by several criteria. The isolates were not pathogenic on apples or pears. They were characterized by a polyphasic approach including microbiological and API assays as well as fatty acid methyl ester analysis, DNA-DNA hybridization and DNA sequencing. For molecular classification, the 16S rRNA cistron and the conserved genes gpd and recA of these bacteria were investigated. Together with other taxonomic criteria, the results of these studies indicate that the bacteria belong to a novel separate species, which we propose to name Erwinia tasmaniensis sp. nov., with the type strain Et1/99(T) (=DSM 17950(T)=NCPPB 4357(T)). From DNA-DNA hybridization kinetics, microbiological characteristics and nucleotide sequence analyses, this species is related to pathogenic Erwinia species, but also to the epiphytic species Erwinia billingiae.

Australia↗
PubMed2001

Evidence for the involvement of an oxidative stress in the initiation of infection of pear by Erwinia amylovora.

Involvement of an oxidative burst, usually related to incompatible plant/pathogen interactions leading to hypersensitive reactions, was investigated with Erwinia amylovora, the causal agent of fire blight of Maloideae subfamily of Rosaceae, in interaction with pear (Pyrus communis; compatible situation) and tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum; incompatible situation). As expected, this necrogenic bacterium induced in tobacco a sustained production of superoxide anion, lipid peroxidation, electrolyte leakage, and concomitant increases of several antioxidative enzymes (ascorbate peroxidases, glutathion reductases, glutathion-S-transferases, and peroxidases), in contrast to the compatible pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv tabaci, which did not cause such reactions. In pear leaves, however, inoculations with both the disease- and the hypersensitive reaction-inducing bacteria (E. amylovora and P. syringae pv tabaci, respectively) resulted in superoxide accumulation, lipid peroxidation, electrolyte leakage, and enzyme induction at similar rates and according to equivalent time courses. The unexpected ability of E. amylovora to generate an oxidative stress even in compatible situation was linked to its functional hrp (for hypersensitive reaction and pathogenicity) cluster because an Hrp secretion mutant of the bacteria did not induce any plant response. It is suggested that E. amylovora uses the production of reactive oxygen species as a tool to provoke host cell death during pathogenesis to invade plant tissues. The bacterial exopolysaccharide could protect this pathogen against the toxic effects of oxygen species since a non-capsular mutant of E. amylovora induced locally the same responses than the wild type but was unable to further colonize the plant.

Ascorbate Peroxidases↗
PubMed1966

Sucrose density gradient distribution of mitochondrial protein and enzymes from preclimacteric and climacteric pears.

Mitochondrial fractions isolated from pears (Pyrus communis L.) at the climacteric minimum and peak were subjected to sucrose density gradient centrifugation. The distribution of protein and specific activities of 3 enzymes from this mitochondrial fraction were investigated.Cytochrome oxidase specific activity remained associated with the particulate fraction and increased slightly during the period in which respiration of the whole fruit reached its climacteric peak. Catalase and acid phosphatase specific activity was associated with both the particulate and the least dense region of the gradient and decreased with postharvest ripening.Evidence for several differences between the subcellular behavior of catalase and acid phosphatase from pear tissue compared to their counterparts isolated from mammalian cells is discussed. A general shift of maximum specific enzymic activities and protein distribution to lighter regions of the density gradient occurs with ripening, suggestive of diminution in size or density of intracellular particles.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1967

Isolation, Purification, and Characterization of an Endogenous Root-promoting Factor Obtained from Basal Sections of Pear Hardwood Cuttings.

Basal segments taken from Old Home and Bartlett pear hardwood cuttings collected at intervals during the rooting period in September were extracted with ethanol and fractionated by paper chromatography in different solvent systems. Different zones on the chromatograms were bioassayed by the mung bean rooting test, which showed high levels of promotion in Old Home basal extracts when the cuttings were obtained during the period of maximum rooting. Extracts from Bartlett cuttings, however, showed considerably less promotion activity in the bioassay but did show high levels of inhibitory activity.After the easily-rooted Old Home cuttings had been in the rooting medium for 10 days, a highly active endogenous root-promoting material was found in extracts from basal segments of cuttings having buds and which had been treated with indolebutyric acid. Similar extracts obtained from disbudded cuttings, or from cuttings with buds but not treated with indolebutyric acid, lacked this rooting-factor. Extracts obtained from all types of the difficult-to-root Bartlett cuttings also lacked this rooting-factor. The latter is believed to be produced by physiologically active Old Home buds, and is very effective in the mung bean bioassay, even at extremely low concentrations.From paper chromatographic studies, tests with spray reagents, solubility determinations, biological tests, UV spectrum analysis, and infrared spectroscopy, it is believed that this rooting factor could be a condensation product between exogenous auxin (indolebutyric acid) and a phenolic compound produced by physiologically active Old Home pear buds.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1975

Oxidative turnover of auxins in relation to the onset of ripening in bartlett pear.

Pears (Pyrus communis var. Bartlett) kept in 100% O(2) showed an increase in the rate of softening, chlorophyll degradation, and ethylene evolution. The O(2) application could overcome, in part, the inhibition of ripening by 1 mm indoleacetic acid. Ripening of pears was also accelerated by the application of solutions containing indoleacetic acid-oxidation products, obtained by an overnight incubation of 0.1 and 1 mm indoleacetic acid with traces of H(2)O(2) and horseradish peroxidase. Although both treatments stimulated ethylene evolution, the promotion of ripening could not be attributed to an indirect ethylene effect. Indoleacetic acid oxidation products obtained in vivo by high O(2) tensions or in vitro by enzymatic degradation may function in the promotion of fruit ripening and the synthesis of ethylene.

Journal Article↗