N-Acetylcysteine in Agriculture, a Novel Use for an Old Molecule: Focus on Controlling the Plant–Pathogen Xylella fastidiosa

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072937
• Publication Date: 2013-08-23T17:06:49Z
• Authors: Lígia S. Muranaka; Thais E. Giorgiano; Marco A. Takita; Moacir R. Forim; Luis F. C. Silva; Helvécio D. Colet...; Marcos A. Machado; Alessandra A. de ...
• Keywords: Xylella fastidiosa; Chlorosis; Citrus × sinensis; Hydroponics

Xylella fastidiosa is a plant pathogen bacterium that causes diseases in many different crops. In citrus, it Citrus Variegated Chlorosis (CVC). The mechanism of pathogenicity this associated with its capacity to colonize and form biofilm the xylem vessels host plants, there not yet any method directly reduce populations field. study, we investigated inhibitory effect N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), cysteine analogue used mainly treat human diseases, on X. experimental conditions. Concentrations NAC over 1 mg/mL reduced bacterial adhesion glass surfaces, formation amount exopolysaccharides (EPS). minimal concentration was 6 mg/mL. supplied fastidiosa-infected plants hydroponics, fertigation, adsorbed organic fertilizer (NAC-Fertilizer). HPLC analysis indicated absorbed at concentrations 0.48 2.4 but Sweet orange CVC symptoms treated (0.48 mg/mL) hydroponics showed clear symptom remission reduction population, as analyzed by quantitative PCR isolation. Experiments using fertigation NAC-Fertilizer were done simulate condition closer normally For both, significant growth rate observed. Using lag for resurgence leaves after interruption treatment increased around eight months. This first report anti-bacterial against phytopathogenic bacterium. results obtained work together characteristics molecule indicate use agriculture might be new sustainable strategy controlling pathogenic bacteria.