Response of beta-glucosidase to fungal infections in seed, ovary and fruit

Localization and changes in the activity of beta -glucosidase were investig ated in wheat caryopsis and glumes infected with Stagonospora nodorum as we ll as in lily ovaries and harvested tomato fruits both inoculated with Botr ytis cinerea. It was established that the pathogen invasion caused splittin g of wheat seed coat, xylem blocking in lily carpel and decay in tomato fru its. B. cinerea invasion evoked disorders of the embryogenesis accompanied by a decreased activity of beta -glucosidase in all ovules. The activity of the enzyme was not changed considerably in wheat seeds as the infection oc curred in the late embryonal stages and the embryonal processes were not af fected. In the seeds of harvested tomatoes distant from the invaded area th e enzyme activity was not changed as well.