In vivo production of cell wall degrading enzymes by potato tuber pathogens*

In vivo production of pectic and cellulolytic enzymes was studied in some pathogens of potato tubers. Result of the present work show that all potato tuber pathogens taken into account are capable of producing these entymes. It is clearly indicated that depolymerizing enzymes (PG and PGTE) are involved in maceration of cells. However, no correlation can be drawn between activity of these enzymes and extent of rotting in tubers. Rot extracts of all pathogens were capable of inducing loss of electrolytes from fresh potato tuber discs.