Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is highly susceptible to fungal fruit rot, resulting in substantial yield and postharvest losses worldwide. Disease progression is largely mediated by extracellular cell wall–degrading enzymes (CWDEs), which facilitate host tissue maceration and pathogen invasion. In the present study, Paradendryphiella arenariae, isolated from naturally infected pomegranate fruits, was investigated for its CWDE production potential and represents the first report of this fungus associated with pomegranate fruit rot. Enzyme production was carried out under submerged fermentation using a pomegranate peel–based medium to simulate host-derived substrates. Qualitative plate assays confirmed the secretion of cellulase, xylanase, pectinase, lipase, laccase and proteases. Quantitative analysis revealed peak enzyme activities at day 14, with cellulase (11.8 U/mL), β-glucosidase (14.6 U/mL), xylanase (10.0 U/mL), and pectinase (9.6 U/mL). SDS–PAGE profiling demonstrated multiple extracellular proteins in the range of 17–75 kDa, indicating a complex enzyme system. The predominance of pectinolytic, cellulolytic, and hemicellulolytic activities suggests a coordinated mechanism for degradation of fruit cell wall polysaccharides. These findings provide mechanistic insight into CWDE-mediated tissue disintegration during infection and a basis for developing targeted management strategies to mitigate fungal fruit rot and reduce pre- and postharvest losses in pomegranate.

Keywords:Cell Wall Degrading Enzymes; Paradendryphiella arenariae; Cellulase; Β-Glucosidase; Xylanase; Pectinase; Hemicellulose; Laccase