Pectic and Cellulolytic Enzymes in Plant Disease

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Abstract
It is now known that many plant pathogens can secrete pectic and cellulolytic enzymes and there is abundant evidence that the pectic enzymes are important in a number of plant diseases. Evidence for the importance of cellulases is less complete and conclusive but this is probably because they have not been studied as much from this point of view. Unfortunately, most work with these enzymes in plant pathology in the past has stopped with the demonstration that a particular pathogen can produce them in vitro. Relatively few attempts have been made to characterize the enzymes and to see if they are produced in vivo. Clearly, more detailed studies are now needed on the types of enzymes produced, and their effects, alone or in combination, on cell walls and on the protoplasts. At present almost no evidence exists, one way or another as to their significance.