Polyphenol oxidase and lysozyme mediate induction of systemic resistance in tomato, when a bioelicitor is used

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is attacked by Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato causing heavy damage to the crops. The present study focused on the application of aqueous fruit extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica L.) on a single node of aseptically raised tomato plants. Observations were done, and the changes in the activity and isoenzyme profile of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and lysozyme, both at the site of treatment as well as away from it, were noted. The results demonstrate that neem extract could significantly induce the activities of both the enzymes as well as upregulate the de novo expression of additional PPO isoenzymes. Induction of systemic acquired resistance (SAR) by natural plant extracts is a potent eco-friendly crop protection method.