Pharmacological Carbonic Anhydrase Suppression Enhances Potato Defense Against Phytophthora Infestans

Key Findings:

  • Carbonic anhydrase (CA) plays a pivotal role in the basal resistance of potato plants against P. infestans.
  • Pharmacological inhibition of CA using dorzolamide significantly enhances NO production, a key signaling molecule in plant defense.
  • NO-dependent pathways lead to modifications in salicylic acid-mediated defense responses, strengthening plant immunity.
  • In susceptible potato cultivars, dorzolamide application delayed late blight symptoms, suggesting its potential role in improving disease resistance.

The Role of Carbonic Anhydrase in Potato Defense: Carbonic anhydrase is a metalloenzyme found in various plant tissues, including chloroplasts and mitochondria. It is known for its involvement in CO₂ fixation, pH regulation, and stress responses. This study reveals that CA also modulates nitric oxide synthesis, which plays a crucial role in the hypersensitive response (HR) against P. infestans.

Mechanism of CA Suppression in Enhancing Resistance:

  • Dorzolamide, a pharmacological inhibitor of CA, was applied to potato leaves before pathogen inoculation.
  • In resistant cultivars, CA suppression accelerated NO production, reinforcing HR and boosting plant defense responses.
  • In susceptible cultivars, dorzolamide-mediated NO signaling delayed late blight symptoms, showcasing its potential for disease management.

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