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ViewAttendees 2

POSTERS: Virology I

P-601 - Volatile-mediated induction of sweet pepper defenses: enhancing resistance to TSWV through (Z)-3-hexenyl propanoate

Monday, August 4, 2025
4:30 PM - 5:15 PM HST
Location: Exhibit Hall 3

    Presenting Author(s)

  • AU

    Alberto Urbaneja (he/him/his)

    Professor of Entomology
    Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA)
    Moncada, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain

    • Author(s)

  • CR

    Chaymaa Riahi

    Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA)
    Moncada, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain

  • CG

    Carolina Gallego-Giraldo

    Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA)
    Moncada, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain

  • Cm

    Cristina martínez-Aure

    Instituto Valenciano de Investigaciones Agrarias (IVIA)
    Moncada, Comunidad Valenciana, Spain

  • EO

    Eduardo Osorio-Hernández

    Autonomous University of Tamaulipas
    Taumalipas, Tamaulipas, Mexico

  • LR

    Luis Rubio

    Senior Researcher
    Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
    Madrid, Spain

Abstract Text:

The Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) represents a significant threat to sweet pepper (Capsicum annuum) production. This study evaluates the potential of (Z)-3-hexenyl propanoate [(Z)-3-HP], a green leaf volatile, to enhance plant resistance against TSWV through the activation of induced defense mechanisms. The research aims to determine whether exposure to (Z)-3-HP reduces TSWV incidence, improves tolerance to water deficit, and modulates the plant’s redox balance without compromising productivity. To assess the impact of (Z)-3-HP, plants were exposed to the volatile compound prior to mechanical inoculation with TSWV. Disease progression was monitored at 7, 14, and 21 days post-inoculation (dpi), and gene expression analyses were performed to evaluate the activation of key defense pathways. Results indicated a significant reduction in TSWV incidence following (Z)-3-HP exposure, correlating with the upregulation of defense-related genes such as PIN2 (jasmonic acid pathway), AMP1 (salicylic acid pathway), and RIN4 (R genes), suggesting a broad-spectrum induction of plant immunity. Biochemical analyses revealed increased antioxidant activity with elevated catalase activity, reduced hydrogen peroxide accumulation, and lower malondialdehyde levels, indicating a decrease in oxidative stress. These findings highlight (Z)-3-HP as a promising tool for sustainable crop protection, leveraging volatile-mediated priming to enhance resistance against viral infections.