Seed Treatment with Glucan Induces PR (Pathogenesis-Related) Proteins in Tomato Plants

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of seed application of yeast extract glucan on induction of PR proteins in tomato plants and increase in yield in terms of fruit fresh weight under glass house condition. Tomato seeds treated with yeast extract glucan, induced protein, chitinase, chitosanase in leaves of tomato plants when compared to control plants. New isforms of chitinase with molecular mass 27, 30 kDa were detected in treated plants. A constitutive chitosanase isoform with molecular mass 19 kDa was induced after treatment with yeast extract glucan. Glucan treated plants also showed increase in number of flower, fruit fresh weight. Our results suggest that treatment of glucan by seed treatment method can be used to induce defense reactions as well as to increase yield.