Production of indole-3-acetic acid and tryptophol by Pythium ultimum and Pythium group F: Possible role in pathogenesis

Pythium group F is a minor pathogen which induces symptomless infections that occur frequently and results in yield losses in tomato soilless cultures. To elucidate the mode of action of this microorganism, the influence of culture filtrates of Pythium group F on tomato growth was investigated and compared to that of the pathogen Pythium ultimum. Depending on metabolite production by the fungus, marked differences were observed in plant response. Pythium group F crude culture filtrates or low molecular weight fractions (< 500) caused swelling behind the root tip and reduced root growth; the cohesion and adherence of cells within the cortical area were also affected. These symptoms were similar to those observed on plants treated with indole-3-acetic acid. By contrast, P. ultimum filtrates caused a marked distortion of cell shape accompanied with folding of host cell walls, particularly in the cortical area. These symptoms were characteristic of the activity of toxic compound(s) on host cells. Chemical analysis of the filtrates demonstrated that indole-3-acetic acid and tryptophol were produced by Pythium group F and P. ultimum. However, Pythium group F took up and metabolized more indole-3-acetic acid precursors, especially tryptophan, a key amino acid in the pathways leading to indole-3-acetic acid synthesis. The fact that Pythium group F and P. ultimum transformed tryptamine and indole-3-acetaldehyde into indole-3-acetic acid and tryptophol confirms the existence of a tryptamine pathway within both fungi. These results support the hypothesis that auxins facilitate Pythium group F infections. On the other hand, toxin(s) and hydrolytic enzymes are likely involved in P. ultimum pathogenesis.