Biopolymers and cell. 2000; 16 (1): 53 - 59

Influence of some mono- and polysaccharides on localization of virus infection and on induced virus resistance in plants

O. G. Kovalenko, T. A. Telegeeva, A. V. Shtakun, Z. O. Pogorila

The antiviral activity of yeast mannans with. a(1->2, 1->3.), 1->6 and b(l->3, 1->4) glycoside linkages at moderate concentration depends on the natural mechanism of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) infection localization in tobacco plants. The polysaccharides activity is blocked in the presence of monosaccharides, in particular a-methyl-D-glucoside and a-methyl-D-mannoside. On the other hand, a-methyl-gtycosides block the localization of TMV-infection end induced local and systemic virus resistance in hypersensitive host plants. This phenomenon is found in Nicotiana tabacum and Datura stramonium plants activating the defence mechanisms in response to yeast mannans but not in Gomphrena globosa plants with low sensitivity to them. The data obtained are in agreement with a concept of regulatory role of glycomono-, glycopolymers and specific to them lectins in the realization of plant resistance to