Abstract

Silicon (Si) supplementation permits plants to better deter infection. Supplementing hydroponically-propagated Nicotiana tabacum with 1 mM potassium silicate (K2SiO3) reduced necrotic lesion development on detached leaves by both Botrytis cinerea and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. Previously, a family of Si-induced genes was identified in N. tabacum. These genes were members of the Solanaceous Histidine-Rich Defensin (HRD) superfamily and were termed NtHRD1s (the first identified family of Nicotiana tabacum Histidine-Rich Defensins). Defensins were originally identified to participate in innate immunity. Thus, the NtHRD1s were tested for antimicrobial effects on plant pathogens. Transient expression of NtHRD1 genes within Nicotiana benthamiana leaves restricted the development of necrotic lesions caused by B. cinerea and S. sclerotiorum. Thus, the NtHRD1s may be an additional Si-responsive factor conferring beneficial effects on plants.

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