Possible peroxidase functions in the interaction between the parasitic plant, Orobanche aegyptiaca, and its host, Arabidopsis thaliana

The mechanism by which the flowering holoparasitic plant, Orobanche aegyptiaca, infects its host without evoking a defence mechanism is still poorly understood. In this work, we studied several mechanisms used by phytopathogenic fungi. We focussed on the possible role of peroxidases during O. aegyptiaca penetration into the roots of Arabidopsis thaliana. A convenient experimental system for studying the interaction under sterile conditions was developed. The formation of extracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected at the interaction site before, during, and after the parasite penetrated into the host. These extracellular ROS probably originated from the parasite. However, no intracellular ROS could be detected at the site of the interaction. Peroxidase activity was observed mainly at the apex of the root of the parasite and in the adventitious roots of the tubercle. Benzhydroxamic acid, a peroxidase inhibitor, was used to probe the possible role of peroxidase in the infection process. Peroxidase activity was observed in the root apex and adventitious roots of O. aegyptiaca, but no evidence was found for its participation in the actual infection process. Peroxidase activity was also found in the later stages of the interaction between the host and the parasite. We propose that peroxidases could have a role in generating extracellular ROS for loosening the cell wall of the host in order to facilitate penetration. Alternatively, the ROS could act in facilitating the root elongation of the parasite.