Detection of PR-b proteins in tobacco roots infected with Chalara elegans.

All previous studies on pathogenesis-related (b) protein (PR-b) induction in tobacco have been carried out on leaves or callus tissue. This paper reports the production of PR-b proteins also in roots of tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum cv. Xanthi NC) infected with Chalara elegans. Antiserum against PR-b1 reacted with PR-b1, PR-b2 and PR-b3 and gave the same pattern of reaction as for leaves. Antiserum against PR-b5 revealed the presence of PR-b4, PR-b5 and, very weakly, PR-b6 which have been shown to be beta-1,3 glucanases. Antiserum against PR-b7 reacted with both PR-b7 and PR-b8 which are chitinases.