We characterized the changes in cell-wall hemicellulosic
polysaccharides and the
hemicellulose-degrading
enzymes associated with apple and tomato fruits infected by Penicillium expansum. Our results showed a reduction in the molecular mass of hemicelluloses, with this reduction being particularly notable in the
xyloglucan associated with P. expansum
infection. The activation of fungal beta-glucanases was also highlighted. Fruit
xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolase (XTH)-specific activity decreased drastically during the
infection process in both apple and tomato fruits. We suggest that XTH reduction during the
infection might be related with the fungus attack mechanism. We also suggest that the decrease in activity and the consequent lower
xyloglucan endotransglucosylation, together with the increase in endoglucanases, would permit fungal access to the
cellulose-
xyloglucan network, increase the efficiency of
cellulose hydrolysis, and thus facilitate the progress of the
fungal infection. The results confirm the importance of
hemicellulose degradation in the breakdown of plant cell walls, causing cell-wall loosening, increasing the porosity of the wall, and allowing the colonization of plant tissue.