Characterisation of Cell Surfaces of Host Wheat and Pathogens (Tilletia Foetida and Tilletia Caries)

Abstract

Common bunt is one of the most destructive and dangerous among fungal wheat diseases. The most familiar species of this seed-born disease are Tilletia foetida and Tilletia caries and these two fungi cause significant yield losses worldwide. The virulence rate of a pathogen can change depending on the interaction with host cell surface. In this study, the characteristics of the cell surfaces of host wheat and two pathogens of disease were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), zeta potential, optical tensiometer, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATRFTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Two types of wheat samples (resistant M82-2161 and sensitive Heinles VII species) were used as the host cell. SEM analysis was performed at 4.00-5.00 IOC and 77-79.X magnification. Electrostatic charge is an important parameter for cell functions. The zeta potential was defined by a zeta sizer tool. Zeta potential values of these samples were defined as -43.9 to 4.46 mV. It was found that surface net charge plays an important role in host pathogen interaction. The pathogens' charges were measured as more negative according to the host structure. The hydrophobicity of the Heinless VII and M82-2161 were very different, which is significant for pathogen host interactions. The FTIR spectra showed differences between the pathogens and host. The thermal stability of all samples was examined using TGA. Results of this study demonstrate that surface charge, hydrophobicity and the surface molecules' structure of the plant and fungi cell wall play very important roles in host pathogen interactions.