Efficacy and mechanistic insights of Kluyveromyces marxianus cell wall in enhancing pear fruit resistance against Penicillium expansum

Abstract

Postharvest fungal infestation poses a significant threat to fresh fruit, leading to substantial economic losses. This study investigated the efficacy and mechanism of yeast cell walls in inducing fruit resistance, with a focus on extracts from Kluyveromyces marxianus. Compared to the commonly referenced Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell wall, application of the K. marxianus cell wall provided superior protection in pear fruit against Penicillium expansum infection, markedly reducing disease incidence. This enhanced biocontrol activity is attributed to its distinct polysaccharide composition, characterized by 60.37% mannan, 38.34% glucan, and 1.29% chitin, and its unique structural properties. The treatment triggered a rapid wound oxidative burst, upregulated key antioxidant and defense-related enzymes, and promoted the accumulation of γ-aminobutyric acid in pear tissue. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that β-glucan and mannan components synergistically activated plant hormone signaling and plant–pathogen interaction pathways. Notably, mannan specifically modulated carbohydrate metabolism and MAPK-associated defense responses. These findings establish the K. marxianus cell wall as a potent and novel biocontrol agent, offering a sustainable strategy for managing postharvest decay through the targeted induction of fruit innate immunity.

Keywords

Disease resistance / Blue mold / Transcriptomics / Glucan / Mannan

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