Protein esterase patterns of endophytes and disease syndrome associated isolates of Melanconium spp.

Abstract

Esterase and non-SDS protein patterns of five disease-syndrome-associated (OSA) isolates and five isolates of symptomless endophytes (SE) of Melanconium apiocarpum as well as of 10 DSA Melanconium marginale isolates from red alder (Alnus rubra) were determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Isolates of M. marginate differed from those of M. apiocarpum in their non-SOS protein and esterase patterns, protein content, and yield of acetone powder. None of these methods used showed differences between SE and OSA isolates of M. apiocarpum. The use of esterase and non-SOS protein patterns as potential biochemical markers is proposed as a taxonomic tool to differentiate M. apiocarpum (SE and DSA) from M. marginate isolates. These findings imply that DSA and SE isolates of M. apiocarpum are similar if not identical. Future research should be directed toward manipulation of the endophytic fungi to promote them to the pathogenic phase so that they can function as biological control agents (mycoherbicides) for red alder.