Expression Of Defense-related Genes Research Articles

GmWRKY33A positively regulates disease resistance in soybean (Glycine max)

The WRKY transcription factor gene family is a plant-specific transcription factor that plays important roles defense responses. Studies in model plant Arabidopsis demonstrated that WRKYs function downstream of mitogen activated-protein kinase (MAPK) signaling cascade and participate in defense responses through activating the expression of defense-related genes. However, the roles of WRKYs in defense responses have not been previously investigated in paleopolyploidy soybean. Bioinfomatic analysis revealed that there are three pair of GmWRKY33 genes in the soybean genome. The identity of first two pair of GmWRKY33 genes is greater than 84% (named as GmWRKY33A). The identity of genes within the same pair is greater than 95%. A 300 bp fragment highly homologous to these four GmWRKY33A was chosen to clone into bean pod mosaic virus (BPMV)-based silencing vector (BPMV-VIGS) to achieve the goal of silencing four GmWRKY33A genes simultaneously. In this study, we simultaneously silenced four homologous genes of GmWRKY33A using a bean pod mottle virus (BPMV) vector carrying a single fragment of GmWRKY33A. Comparing the silenced plants with the vector control plants, no evident morphological phenotypes were observed. However, the GmWRKY33A-silenced plants exhibited significantly reduced resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. glycinea (Psg), Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. glycine (Xag), as well as to soybean mosaic virus (SMV). Furthermore, we demonstrated that silencing these GmWRKY33A genes significantly inhibited the activation of GmMPK3/GmMPK6 induced by Psg infection. Collectively, our results suggest that GmWRKY33As are involved in soybean immunity through regulating the transcription of GmMPK3/6 genes or activating the kinase activities of GmMPK3/6. Taken together, our results demonstrated that GmWRKY33As are positive regulators of soybean immune responses.

Preparation of pH-Responsive Kas@ZnO Quantum Dots for Synergistic Control of Rice Blast and Enhanced Disease Resistance in Rice.

The construction of controlled-release formulations improves the sustained-release performance and utilization efficiency of pesticides, which are important aspects in plant protection and environmental chemistry. The current study employs kasugamycin (Kas), which is widely used to control Magnaporthe oryzae, conjugated with carboxyl-functionalized ZnO quantum dots via amide linkages to yield a pH-responsive pesticide delivery system (Kas@ZnO). Physicochemical characterizations indicated the successful preparation of the Kas@ZnO nanoparticles. In vitro drug release assessments indicated that Kas@ZnO exhibited a loading capacity of 21.05% and could effect the controlled release of Kas in an acidic environment, which is beneficial given the unique acidic microenvironment of M. oryzae. Bioactivity assays demonstrated that Kas@ZnO could simultaneously inhibit mycelial growth and spore germination. Additionally, bioactivity tests showed that the control efficacy of Kas@ZnO against rice blast reached 67.43% after 14 days of in vivo spray inoculation, which was higher than that obtained with Kas (55.50%), suggesting improved beneficial effects of Kas@ZnO application over a prolonged duration. Moreover, Kas@ZnO enhanced the activity of defense-related enzymes in rice and upregulated the expression of defense-related genes, such as OsPR2, OsPR3, OsPR5, OsWRKY45, OsLYP6, and OsNAC4. Ultimately, the biosafety assessments revealed that Kas@ZnO did not exert any harmful effects on rice and demonstrated slight toxicity toward zebrafish. These findings indicate that Kas@ZnO can function as a pH-sensitive pesticide delivery system, allowing for targeted release of the pesticide within plant tissues. This technology demonstrates significant potential for eco-friendly plant disease management.

Forest tree extracts induce resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato in Arabidopsis.

The widespread use of conventional pesticides for plant pathogen control poses significant risks to human health and the environment, and it is therefore crucial to develop environmentally friendly, human-safe alternatives to these products that offer a sustainable approach for crop protection. Here, we examined the potential of ethanolic extracts from four forest tree species for their antibacterial activity against the bacterial pathogenPseudomonas syringaepv.tomato (Pst) and their ability to trigger effective defense responses in the model plantArabidopsis thaliana. The extracts exhibited direct toxic effects against Pst and triggered the expression of defense-related genes naturally induced by oxidative stress cues or the defense elicitor salicylic acid in leaf tissue. The direct antibacterial effects of the tree extracts, together with their defense gene-inducing effectsin planta, resulted in a strong host plant-protecting effect againstPst. These findings suggest the eventual effectiveness of forest tree extracts as plant protectants against the bacterial pathogenPst. They also suggest the potential of these extracts as a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative to conventional pesticides for the management of economically important plant pathogens.

Chitosan, Methyl Jasmonate, and Silicon Induce Resistance to Angular Leaf Spot in Common Bean, Caused by Pseudocercospora griseola, with Expression of Defense-Related Genes and Enzyme Activities

This study assessed the efficacy of chitosan, methyl jasmonate, and silicon in the reduction of disease severity and the induction of defense responses in common bean plants against angular leaf spot caused by Pseudocercospora griseola. The expression level of several pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins, PR1, PR2 (β-1,3-glucanase), and PR3 (chitinase), and defense-related enzymes, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, peroxidase, and lipoxygenase, was analyzed at different time points in common bean plants after different treatments. Elicitor treatments significantly reduced disease severity 21 days after inoculation, with silicon at a 2 mM concentration proving most effective with 38.93% disease control, followed by 1 mM MeJA and 2% chitosan, respectively. Treatments with chitosan, methyl jasmonate, and silicon, regardless of pathogen infection, significantly elevated PR1, PR2, and PR3 gene expressions at 48 h after inoculation (hpi). PAL and POD activities were similarly increased following elicitor treatments and pathogen infection, especially at 48 hpi. Chemical elicitors applied post-inoculation induced PR proteins, PAL, and POD enzyme activities at 48 hpi, while LOX activity exhibited a variable fluctuation with treatments. These findings suggested that chemical elicitors, especially silicon, were effective in reducing ALS disease severity in common beans, with improved resistance associated with the expression of pathogen-responsive genes. This study is the first to analyze the expression profiles of defense-related genes in common beans treated with chemical elicitors prior to P. griseola infection.

Biodegradable soy protein isolate carvacrol coating controls soft rot on nectarines by enhancing defense response

Nectarine fruits are rich in nutrients, which are susceptible to fungal infection during postharvest, resulting in quality deterioration and decay. This study aimed to assess the effect of different concentrations of carvacrol and soy protein isolate coatings on the fungal infection and quality characteristics of nectarines during postharvest storage. The results showed that soy protein isolate carvacrol (SPI-C) coating inhibited the growth of Rhizopus stolonifer in vitro. The SPI-C coating significantly reduced the incidence of postharvest soft rot, maintained the postharvest quality of nectarines during storage. SPI-C coating induces the defense response to soft rot by enhancing the accumulation of phenolic, flavonoids and lignin, and up-regulating the expression of defense-related genes in nectarines. The SPI-C coating activated the transcription of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD and POD) and eliminated ROS damage. The disease resistance response promotes the production of defense-related substances by upregulating the gene expression of PpPPO and PpPAL. In summary, SPI-C coating significantly reduces the incidence of postharvest soft rot, maintains the postharvest quality and induces defense response to soft rot by enhancing the expression of genes involved in phenylpropanoid metabolism in nectarines during storage.

Regulation of maize growth and immunity by ZmSKI3-mediated RNA decay and post-transcriptional gene silencing.

Disease resistance is often associated with compromised plant growth and yield due to defense-growth tradeoffs. However, key components and mechanisms underlying the defense-growth tradeoffs are rarely explored in maize. In this study, we find that ZmSKI3, a putative subunit of the SUPERKILLER (SKI) complex that mediates the 3'-5' degradation of RNA, regulates both plant development and disease resistance in maize. The Zmski3 mutants showed retarded plant growth and constitutively activated defense responses, while the ZmSKI3 overexpression lines are more susceptible to Curvularia lunata and Bipolaris maydis. Consistently, the expression of defense-related genes was generally up-regulated, while expressions of growth-related genes were mostly down-regulated in leaves of the Zmski3-1 mutant compared to that of wild type. In addition, 223 differentially expressed genes that are up-regulated in Zmski3-1 mutant but down-regulated in the ZmSKI3 overexpression line are identified as potential target genes of ZmSKI3. Moreover, small interfering RNAs targeting the transcripts of the defense- and growth-related genes are differentially accumulated, likely to combat the increase of defense-related transcripts but decrease of growth-related transcripts in Zmski3-1 mutant. Taken together, our study indicates that plant growth and immunity could be regulated by both ZmSKI3-mediated RNA decay and post-transcriptional gene silencing in maize.

Influences of Ipomoea batatas Anti-Cancer Peptide on Tomato Defense Genes.

This study investigates the impact of IbACP (Ipomoea batatas anti-cancer peptide) on defense-related gene expression in tomato leaves, focusing on its role in plant defense mechanisms. Previously, IbACP was isolated from sweet potato leaves, and it was identified as a peptide capable of inducing an alkalinization response in tomato suspension culture media. Additionally, IbACP was found to regulate the proliferation of human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells. Elucidate IbACP's molecular influence on defense-related gene expression in tomato leaves using next-generation sequencing analysis. To assess the impact of IbACP on defense-related gene expression, transcriptome data were analyzed, encompassing various functional categories such as photosynthesis, metabolic processes, and plant defense. Semi-quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis was employed to verify transcription levels of defense-related genes in tomato leaves treated with IbACP for durations ranging from 0 h (control) to 24 h. IbACP induced jasmonic acid-related genes (LoxD and AOS) at 2 h, with a significant up-regulation of salicylic acid-dependent gene NPR1 at 24 h. This suggested a temporal antagonistic effect between jasmonic acid and salicylic acid during the early hours of IbACP treatment. Downstream ethylene-responsive regulator genes (ACO1, ETR4, and ERF1) were consistently down-regulated by IbACP at all times. Additionally, IbACP significantly up-regulated the gene expressions of suberization-associated anionic peroxidases (TMP1 and TAP2) at all time points, indicating enhanced suberization of the plant cell wall to prevent pathogen invasion. IbACP enhances the synthesis of defense hormones and up-regulates downstream defense genes, improving the plant's resistance to biotic stresses.

Exploring Nonanol from Bacillus velezensis (YEBBR6) for Root-Knot Nematode Management in Bananas: Integrating Experimental and Computational Approaches

Nematode infestations pose a severe threat to global banana production, leading to substantial yield losses and economic damage. Among these, the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita is particularly detrimental, causing root galls that severely impair water and nutrient uptake, leading to stunted growth, reduced fruit quality, and significant economic losses for farmers. In the face of increasing agricultural challenges, bacterial endophytes have emerged as essential tools for sustainable agriculture, offering ecofriendly solutions to enhance plant health and manage pests. The present study aims to identify and characterise biomolecules from bacterial endophyte Bacillus velezensis (YEBBR6) with potential nematicidal properties against root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita infecting banana. The analysis of volatile and non-volatile organic compounds (VOCs/NVOCs) from the inhibition zone during the ditrophic interaction between B. velezensis (YEBBR6) and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense (Foc) revealed the presence of several distinctive biomolecules with antifungal and antimicrobial properties. These compounds included linoelaedic acid, nonanol, acetylvaleryl, 5–hydroxyl methyl furfural, clindamycin, allobarbital, 3-thiazolidine carboxamide, azulene, aminomorpholine, procyclidine, campholic acid, 3 amino-4 hydroxy phenyl sulfone, 3–deoxy mannoic lactone, hexadecanoic acid, oleic acid, and dihydroacridine. The in-silico analysis revealed that nonanol, exhibited strong binding efficacy against M. incognita protein targets, including cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1, calreticulin, neuropeptide G-protein coupled receptor, chorismate mutase 1, venom allergen-like proteins, and β-1,4-endoglucanase. Notably, nonanol proved more effective than the commercially used nematicide carbofuran 3G. Molecular dynamics studies further supported the potential of nonanol, and its nematicidal properties were validated through in vitro and pot culture studies. Moreover, nonanol was found to induce the expression of defense-related genes, such as MAPK10, WRKY22, ascorbate peroxidase, catalase, and NADPH oxidase, in banana seedlings, thus enhancing the plant's immune response. These findings highlight the potential of nonanol, derived from B. velezensis (YEBBR6), as a potent and environmentally friendly alternative for controlling nematode infestations in banana cultivation.

Biocontrol Potential of Bacillus strains against soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines) and for promotion of soybean growth

The soybean cyst nematode (SCN, Heterodera glycines) is the most yield-limiting pathogen in soybeans worldwide. Using chemical pesticides to control this disease is harmful to human and environment. It is urgent to develop environment-friendly nematicides. The aim of this study was to discover novel biocontrol agents on H. glycines control and soybean growth under greenhouse and field conditions Eight Bacillus strains were isolated from soil rhizosphere soils and the stability and efficiency of H. glycines was assessed in greenhouse and field experiments in 2021 and 2022. In particular, the Ba2-6 strain had the highest potential, because it was a biocontrol agent against H. glycines shown to cause 93.85% juvenile mortality. Furthermore, strains Ba 1–7, Ba2-4, and Ba2-6 effectively reduced the number of females and improved the soybean seed number per plant. Based on their morphological, physiological, biochemical and molecular (16 S rRNA) characteristics, the three strains were identified as B. aryabhattai (Ba1-7), B. megatherium (Ba2-4), and B. halotolerans (Ba2-6). The ability of Ba2-6 to induce systemic resistance to H. glycines in soybeans was investigated by the split-root system and real-time quantitative PCR experiments. The results indicated that the Ba2-6 strain induced systemic resistance to suppress the penetration of H. glycines, and enhanced gene expression of PR1, PR3a, PR5, and NPR1-2, involved in the salicylic acid and jasmonic acid pathways. The study suggests that the strains of B. aryabhattai Ba1-7, B. megatherium Ba2-4, and B. halotolerans Ba2-6 can be considered as effective biocontrol agents to control H. glycines. Further, B. halotolerans Ba2-6 not only promotes soybean growth but also enhances resistance to H. glycines by regulating defense-related gene expression and inducing systemic resistance in soybean.

A GDSL motif-containing lipase modulates Sclerotinia sclerotiorum resistance in Brassica napus.

Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) De Bary is a devastating disease infecting hundreds of plant species. It also restricts the yield, quality, and safe production of rapeseed (Brassica napus) worldwide. However, the lack of resistance sources and genes to S. sclerotiorum has greatly restricted rapeseed SSR-resistance breeding. In this study, a previously identified GDSL motif-containing lipase gene, Brassica napus GDSL LIPASE-LIKE 1 (BnaC07.GLIP1), encoding a protein localized to the intercellular space, was characterized as functioning in plant immunity to S. sclerotiorum. The BnaC07.GLIP1 promoter is S. sclerotiorum-inducible and the expression of BnaC07.GLIP1 is substantially enhanced after S. sclerotiorum infection. Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) heterologously expressing and rapeseed lines overexpressing BnaC07.GLIP1 showed enhanced resistance to S. sclerotiorum, whereas RNAi suppression and CRISPR/Cas9 knockout B. napus lines were hyper-susceptible to S. sclerotiorum. Moreover, BnaC07.GLIP1 affected the lipid composition and induced the production of phospholipid molecules, such as phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidic acid, which were correlated with decreased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhanced expression of defense-related genes. A B. napus bZIP44 transcription factor specifically binds the CGTCA motif of the BnaC07.GLIP1 promoter to positively regulate its expression. BnbZIP44 responded to S. sclerotiorum infection, and its heterologous expression inhibited ROS accumulation, thereby enhancing S. sclerotiorum resistance in Arabidopsis. Thus, BnaC07.GLIP1 functions downstream of BnbZIP44 and is involved in S. sclerotiorum resistance by modulating the production of phospholipid molecules and ROS homeostasis in B. napus, providing insights into the potential roles and functional mechanisms of BnaC07.GLIP1 in plant immunity and for improving rapeseed SSR disease-resistance breeding.

Bacterial Elicitor XTH and Salicylic Acid Regulate the Expression of Defence-Related Genes in Potato

Bacterial Elicitor XTH and Salicylic Acid Regulate the Expression of Defence-Related Genes in Potato

Montmorillonite nanoclay triggers immunity responses in wheat against Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici, and suppresses uredospore germination

Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici causes the important disease, yellow rust of wheat (Triticum aestivum). Montmorillonite nanoclay (MNC) is naturally occurring and biodegradable. This study assessed in vitro anti-germination effects of MNC on P. striiformis uredospores. Application of MNC at 150 mg L-1 completely inhibited uredospore germination, and MNC at 100 mg L-1 reduced yellow rust severity in wheat plants by 89%. Expression of defense-related genes was increased after MNC treatment at 100 mg L-1, by 5.23-fold for jasmonate and ethylene-responsive factor 3 (JERF3), 4.89-fold for chitinase class II (CHI II), and 2.37-fold for pathogenesis-related protein 1 (PR1). Applying MNC at 100 mg L-1 also activated the antioxidant enzymes POD to 62.1 unit min-1 g-1 fresh wt, PPO to 21.6 units min-1 g-1 fresh wt, and CAT to 36.6 units min-1 g-1 fresh wt. MNC also enhanced phenolic content in wheat leaves (to 1489.53 mg 100 g-1 f. wt), and reduced lipid oxidation levels (to 5.6 μmol MDA g-1 fresh wt). MNC at 100 mg L-1 also mitigated damaging effects of P. striiformis infections on host leaf cell ultrastructure, increased leaf photosynthetic pigments, and increased wheat plant growth. These results show that MNC has potential as a natural control agent for yellow rust of wheat, although field testing of MNC is necessary before this material can be recommended for wheat production.

Chitosan stimulates root hair callose deposition, endomembrane dynamics, and inhibits root hair growth.

Although angiosperm plants generally react to immunity elicitors like chitin or chitosan by the cell wall callose deposition, this response in particular cell types, especially upon chitosan treatment, is not fully understood. Here we show that the growing root hairs (RHs) of Arabidopsis can respond to a mild (0.001%) chitosan treatment by the callose deposition and by a deceleration of the RH growth. We demonstrate that the glucan synthase-like 5/PMR4 is vital for chitosan-induced callose deposition but not for RH growth inhibition. Upon the higher chitosan concentration (0.01%) treatment, RHs do not deposit callose, while growth inhibition is prominent. To understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms underpinning the responses to two chitosan treatments, we analysed early Ca2+ and defence-related signalling, gene expression, cell wall and RH cellular endomembrane modifications. Chitosan-induced callose deposition is also present in the several other plant species, including functionally analogous and evolutionarily only distantly related RH-like structures such as rhizoids of bryophytes. Our results point to the RH callose deposition as a conserved strategy of soil-anchoring plant cells to cope with mild biotic stress. However, high chitosan concentration prominently disturbs RH intracellular dynamics, tip-localised endomembrane compartments, growth and viability, precluding callose deposition.

Methyl jasmonate induced tolerance effect of Pinus koraiensis to Bursaphelenchus xylophilus.

Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) can affect the balance of hormones and regulate the disease resistance of plants. Exploring the application and mechanism of MeJA in inducing the tolerance of Pinus koraiensis to pine wood nematode (PWN) infection is of great significance for developing new strategies for pine wilt disease control. Different concentrations (0.1, 1, 5 and 10 mm) of MeJA treatment groups showed differences in relative tolerance index and relative anti-nematode index of P. koraiensis seedlings to PWN infection. The treatment of 5 mm MeJA solution induced the best tolerance effect, followed by the 1 mm MeJA solution. Transcriptome analysis indicated that many plant defense-related genes upregulated after treatment with 1, 5 and 10 mm MeJA solutions. Among them, genes such as jasmonate ZIM domain-containing protein, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase and peroxidase also continuously upregulated after PWN infection. Metabolome analysis indicated that jasmonic acid (JA) was significantly increased at 7 days postinoculation with PWN, and after treatment with both 1 and 5 mm MeJA solutions. Integrated analysis of transcriptome and metabolome indicated that differences in JA accumulation might lead to ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, and expression changes in trans-caffeic acid and trans-cinnamic acid-related genes, leading to the abundance differences of these two metabolisms and the formation of multiple lignin and glucosides. MeJA treatment could activate the expression of defense-related genes that correlated with JA, regulate the abundance of defense-related secondary metabolites, and improve the tolerance of P. koraiensis seedlings to PWN infection. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

A secreted fungal laccase targets the receptor kinase OsSRF3 to inhibit OsBAK1–OsSRF3-mediated immunity in rice

The identification effector targets and characterization of their functions are crucial for understanding pathogen infection mechanisms and components of plant immunity. Here, we identify the effector UgsL, a ustilaginoidin synthetase with a key role in regulating virulence of the rice false smut fungus Ustilaginoidea virens. Heterologous expression of UgsL in rice (Oryza sativa) enhances plant susceptibility to multiple pathogens, and host-induced gene silencing of UgsL enhances plant resistance to U. virens, indicating that UgsL inhibits rice immunity. UgsL interacts with STRUBBELIG RECEPTOR KINASE 3 (OsSRF3). Genome editing and overexpression of OsSRF3 demonstrate that OsSRF3 plays a pivotal role in the resistance of rice to multiple pathogens. Remarkably, overexpressing OsSRF3 enhances resistance without adversely affecting plant growth or yield. We show that BRASSINOSTEROID RECEPTOR-ASSOCIATED KINASE 1 (OsBAK1) interacts with and phosphorylates OsSRF3 to activate pathogen-triggered immunity, inducing the mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade, a reactive oxygen species burst, callose deposition, and expression of defense-related genes. UgsL interferes with the phosphorylation of OsSRF3 by OsBAK1. Furthermore, UgsL mediates OsSRF3 degradation by facilitating its association with the ubiquitin-26S proteasome. Our results reveal that OsSRF3 positively regulates immunity in rice and that UgsL mediates its degradation, thereby inhibiting the activation of OsBAK1–OsSRF3-mediated immune pathways.

Virulent Effector Hasp155 of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici Suppresses Plant Immunity and Promotes Fungus Infection.

As a kind of obligate biotrophic fungus, Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) secretes vast effectors via haustoria to host cells during the infection to inhibit host defense responses and promote fungal invasion. In this study, based on the completion of genome sequencing and haustorial transcriptome sequencing of Pst, we identified a Pst effector (Hasp155) that is significantly induced in the early stage of Pst infection to wheat. The 18 N-terminal amino acids of Hasp155 encoded a signal peptide with a secretory function. Transient expression of Hasp155 in Nicotiana benthamiana inhibited Bax-induced cell death as well as chitin-triggered callose deposition and defense-related gene expression. Moreover, delivery of the Hasp155 protein into wheat cells via type three secretion systems (TTSS) led to reduced plant immunity to nonpathogenic bacteria and to the avirulent Pst race with decreased H2O2 accumulation and promoted Pst development. Furthermore, transgenic overexpression of Hasp155 significantly renders wheat resistance susceptible, resulting in a decreased defense response and increased Pst pathogenicity. Overall, these results indicate that Hasp155 is an important effector of Pst pathogenicity by suppressing plant immunity.

Linear β-1,2-glucans trigger immune hallmarks and enhance disease resistance in plants.

Immune responses in plants are triggered by molecular patterns or elicitors, recognized by plant pattern recognition receptors. Such molecular patterns are consequence of host-pathogen interactions and the response cascade activated after their perception is known as pattern-triggered immunity (PTI). Glucans have emerged as key players in PTI, but the ability of certain glucans to stimulate defensive responses in plants remains understudied. This work focused on identifying novel glucan oligosaccharides as molecular patterns. The ability of various microorganism-derived glucans to prompt PTI responses was tested, revealing that specific microbial-derived molecules, such as short linear β-1,2-glucans, trigger this response in plants by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), MAP kinase phosphorylation, and differential expression of defence-related genes in Arabidopsis thaliana. Pretreatments with β-1,2-glucan trisaccharide (B2G3) improved Arabidopsis defence against bacterial and fungal infections in a hypersusceptible genotype. The knowledge generated was then transferred to the monocotyledonous model species maize and wheat, confirming that these plants also respond to β-1,2-glucans, with increased ROS production and improved protection against fungal infections following B2G3 pretreatments. In summary, as with other β-glucans, plants perceive β-1,2-glucans as warning signals and stimulate defence responses against phytopathogens.

Response and defense mechanisms of the earthworms Eisenia foetida to natural saline soil stress

Salinization of soil is a serious global environmental issue, particularly in agricultural lands. Saline farmland not only endangers grain production but also affects the survival of soil fauna. Earthworms, as soil ecosystem engineers, play a crucial role in maintaining soil health and enhancing global agricultural production. However, the response of earthworms to natural saline soil stress remains poorly understood. To explore this, we investigated the effects of natural saline soil from Dongying City, Shandong Province, China, on the growth, survival, reproduction, antioxidation, and defense-related gene expression of the earthworm Eisenia foetida. Our findings demonstrate that the growth rate, survival rate, and cocoon production of E. foetida decrease under exposure to natural saline soil in a dose-dependent manner. Elevated levels of DNA damage in coelomocytes and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) were observed. Additionally, antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), increased under stress. The mRNA levels of Cyp450 and Hsp70 also rose in response to saline soil exposure. Furthermore, the activity of Na+/K+-ATPase and the expression of the osmotic sensor gene wnk-1 were elevated. In conclusion, our findings indicate that natural saline soil induces antioxidant and osmotic stress in earthworms E. foetida, highlighting the detrimental effects and defense mechanisms of soil fauna under such conditions.

TaNAC1 boosts powdery mildew resistance by phosphorylation-dependent regulation of TaSec1a and TaCAMTA4 via PP2Ac/CDPK20.

The integrity of wheat (Triticum aestivum) production is increasingly jeopardized by the fungal pathogen Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt), particularly amid the vicissitudes of climate change. Here, we delineated the role of a wheat transcription factor, TaNAC1, which precipitates cellular apoptosis and fortifies resistance against Bgt. Utilizing BiFC, co-immunoprecipitation, protein quantification, luciferase report assays, we determined that cytoplasmic TaNAC1-7A undergoes phosphorylation at the S184/S258 sites by TaCDPK20, facilitating its nuclear translocation. This migration appears to prime further phosphorylation by TaMPK1, thereby enhancing transcriptional regulatory activity. Notably, the apoptotic activity of phosphorylated TaNAC1-7A is negatively modulated by the nuclear protein phosphatase PP2Ac. Furthermore, activation of TaNAC1 phosphorylation initiates transcription of downstream genes TaSec1a and TaCAMTA4, through binding to the C[T/G]T[N7]A[A/C]G nucleic acid motif. Suppression of TaNAC1, TaCDPK20, and TaMPK1 in wheat compromises its resistance to Bgt strain E09, whereas overexpression of TaNAC1 and silencing of PP2Ac markedly elevate resistance levels. Our results reveal the pivotal role of TaNAC1 in basal resistance which is mediated by its effects on homotypic fusion, vacuolar protein sorting, and the expression of defense-related genes. The findings highlight the potential through targeting TaNAC1 and its regulators as a strategy for improving wheat's resistance to fungal pathogens.

Monitoring of parasite Orobanche cumana using Vis-NIR hyperspectral imaging combining with physio-biochemical parameterson host crop Helianthus annuus.

This study provided a non-destructive detection method with Vis-NIR hyperspectral imaging combining with physio-biochemical parameters in Helianthus annuus in response to Orobanche cumana infection that took insights into the monitoring of sunflower weed. Sunflower broomrape (Orobanche cumana Wallr.) is an obligate weed that attaches to the host roots of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) leading to a significant reduction in yield worldwide. The emergence of O. cumana shoots after its underground life-cycle causes irreversible damage to the crop. In this study, a fast visual, non-invasive and precise method for monitoring changes in spectral characteristics using visible and near-infrared (Vis-NIR) hyperspectral imaging (HSI) was developed. By combining the bands sensitive to antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GR), non-antioxidant enzymes (GSH, GSH + GSSG), MDA, ROS (O2-, OH-), PAL, and PPO activities obtained from the host leaves, we sought to establish an accurate means of assessing these changes and conducted imaging acquisition using hyperspectral cameras from both infested and non-infested sunflower cultivars, followed by physio-biochemical parameters measurement as well as analyzed the expression of defense related genes. Extreme learning machine (ELM) and convolutional neural network (CNN) models using 3-band images were built to classify infected or non-infected plants in three sunflower cultivars, achieving accuracies of 95.83% and 95.83% for the discrimination of infestation as well as 97.92% and 95.83% of varieties, respectively, indicating the potential of multi-spectral imaging systems for early detection of O. cumana in weed management.