Optimization of Exopolysaccharides Production by and Their Potential to Induce Defense Responses in against .

Polysaccharides from marine algae are one novel source of plant defense elicitors for alternative and eco-friendly plant protection against phytopathogens. The effect of exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by on elicitation of defense responses against was evaluated. Firstly, in order to enhance EPS production, a Box-Behnken experimental design was carried out to optimize NaCl, NaNO and MgSO concentrations in the culture medium of microalgae. A maximum EPS production (2.45 g/L) higher than that of the control (0.7 g/L) was observed for 41.62 g/L NaCl, 0.63 g/L NaNO and 7.2 g/L MgSO concentrations. Structurally, the EPS contained mainly galactose, xylose and glucose. Secondly, the elicitor effect of EPS was evaluated by investigating the plant defense-related signaling pathways that include activation of Salicylic or Jasmonic Acid-dependent pathway genes. A solution of 2 mg/mL of EPS has led to the control of fungal growth by the plant. Results showed that EPS foliar application induced phenylalaline ammonia lyase and HO accumulation. Expression profile analysis of the defense-related genes using qRT-PCR revealed the up-regulation of Superoxide dismutases (SOD), Peroxidase (POD), Pathogenesis-related protein 1 (PR-1) and Cytochrome P450 monooxyge-nase (CYP), while Catalase (CAT) and Plant defensin 1.2 (PDF1.2) were not induced. Results suggest that EPS may induce the elicitation of . 's defense response against , activating the Salicylic Acid pathway.