Different Phytohormonal Responses on Satsuma Mandarin (Citrus unshiu) Leaves Infected with Host-Compatible or Host-Incompatible Elsinoë fawcettii

Citrus scab, caused by the fungal pathogen Elsinoë fawcettii, is one of the most important fungal diseases affecting Citrus spp. Citrus scab affects young tissues, including the leaves, twigs, and fruits, and produces severe fruit blemishes that reduce the market value of fresh fruits. To study the molecular responses of satsuma mandarin (C. unshiu) to E. fawcettii, plant hormone-related gene expression was analyzed in response to host-compatible (SM16-1) and host-incompatible (DAR70024) isolates. In the early phase of infection by E. fawcettii, jasmonic acid- and salicylic acid-related gene expression was induced in response to infection with the compatible isolate. However, as symptoms advanced during the late phase of the infection, the jasmonic acid- and salicylic acid-related gene expression was downregulated. The gene expression patterns were compared between compatible and incompatible interactions. As scabs were accompanied by altered tissue growth surrounding the infection site, we conducted gibberellic acid- and abscisic acid-related gene expression analysis and assessed the content of these acids during scab symptom development. Our results showed that gibberellic and abscisic acid-related gene expression and hormonal changes were reduced and induced in response to the infection, respectively. Accordingly, we propose that jasmonic and salicylic acids play a role in the early response to citrus scab, whereas gibberellic and abscisic acids participate in symptom development.