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Syringolin reprograms wheat to undergo hypersensitive cell death in a compatible interaction with powdery mildew
U Wäspi1, P Schweizer, R Dudler
1Institute of Plant Biology, University of Zurich, Zollikerstrasse 107, CH-8008 Zurich, Switzerland.
The Plant Cell
|February 7, 2001
Summary
Syringolin A, a compound from Pseudomonas syringae pv syringae, protects wheat against powdery mildew. It also eradicates existing infections by activating plant defenses, not by direct fungicidal action.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Syringolin A is a molecular determinant secreted by Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae.
- It is perceived by nonhost plant species, including rice.
- Its role in wheat immunity was previously uncharacterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of syringolin A on wheat immunity.
- To determine if syringolin A can protect wheat against powdery mildew.
- To elucidate the mechanism of action of syringolin A in wheat.
Main Methods:
- Application of syringolin A to wheat plants before and after powdery mildew inoculation.
- Analysis of gene transcript accumulation.
- Assessment of protection against powdery mildew.
- Induction of cell death and pathogenesis-related gene expression analysis.
Main Results:
- Syringolin A is recognized by wheat and induces defense-related gene transcripts.
- Pre-application of syringolin A enhances protection against powdery mildew.
- Post-application of syringolin A eradicates existing powdery mildew infections.
- The curative effect involves induced cell death and reactivation of pathogenesis-related genes.
Conclusions:
- Syringolin A acts as a potent inducer of plant immunity in wheat.
- It offers both preventative and curative effects against powdery mildew.
- Syringolin A likely counteracts pathogen-induced suppression of host defenses.