N-acetylcysteine absorption and its potential dual effect improve fitness and fruit yield in Xylella fastidiosa infected plants

Author(s):Show less -

Picchi, Simone C. ; Rebelatto, Daniele ; Martins, Paula M. M. ; Blumer, Silvia ; Mesquita, Geisa L. ; Hippler, Franz W. R. ; Mattos Jr, Dirceu ; Boaretto, Rodrigo M. ; Machado, Marco A. ; Takita, Marco A. ; Coletta-Filho, Helvecio D. ; de Souza, Alessandra A.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Pest Management Science; v. 80, n. 9, p. 11-pg., 2024-05-02.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Xylella fastidiosa is a multi-host bacterium that can be detected in hundreds of plant species including several crops. Diseases caused by X. fastidiosa are considered a threat to global food production. The primary method for managing diseases caused by X. fastidiosa involves using insecticides to control the vector. Hence, it is necessary to adopt new and sustainable disease management technologies to control not only the insect but also the bacteria and plant health. We demonstrated that N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a low-cost cysteine analogue, is a sustainable molecule that can be used in agriculture to decrease the damage caused by X. fastidiosa and improve plant health. RESULTS: Using 15N-NAC we proved that this analogue was absorbed by the roots and transported to different parts of the plant. Inside the plant, NAC reduced the bacterial population by 60-fold and the number of xylem vessels blocked by bacterial biofilms. This reflected in a recovery of 0.28-fold of the daily sap flow compared to health plants. In addition, NAC-treated citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC) plants decreased the oxidative stress by improving the activity of detoxifying enzymes. Moreover, the use of NAC in field conditions positively contributed to the increase in fruit yield of CVC-diseased plants. CONCLUSION: Our research not only advances the understanding of NAC absorption in plants, but also indicates its dual effect as an antimicrobial and antioxidant molecule. This, in turn, negatively affects bacterial survival while improving plant health by decreasing oxidative stress. Overall, the positive field-based evidence supports the viability of NAC as a sustainable agricultural application. (c) 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 15/22144-0 - Antioxidant molecule in plant disease control: N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
• Grantee: Simone Cristina Picchi
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• FAPESP's process: 17/02733-6 - N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC): an antioxidant molecule for bacterial plant disease control
• Grantee: Simone Cristina Picchi
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• FAPESP's process: 20/07045-3 - Biotechnological and genomic strategies for quality, productivity and sustainable management of citrus, coffee and sugar cane in the State of São Paulo
• Grantee: Mariângela Cristofani-Yaly
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Problem-Oriented Research Centers in São Paulo
• FAPESP's process: 13/10957-0 - Xylella fastidiosa-vector-host plant interaction and approaches for citrus variegated chlorosis and citrus canker control
• Grantee: Alessandra Alves de Souza
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 19/11566-1 - NAC products: combating plant diseases with agricultural sustainability
• Grantee: Simone Cristina Picchi
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• FAPESP's process: 14/50880-0 - INCT 2014: comparative and functional genomics and citrus-assisted breeding
• Grantee: Marcos Antonio Machado
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants