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Transcriptomic and volatile signatures associated with maize defense against corn leaf aphid.
Lise Pingault1, Suresh Varsani1, Nathan Palmer2
1Department of Entomology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE, 68583, USA.
BMC Plant Biology
|March 17, 2021
Summary
Maize plants with heightened resistance to corn leaf aphid (CLA) show significant transcriptomic changes. These changes involve hormonal pathways and volatile organic compound production, revealing defense mechanisms against this important pest.
Area of Science:
- Plant Science
- Entomology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Maize (Zea mays L.) is a crucial global crop, with the US producing over 40%.
- Corn leaf aphid (CLA) is a significant maize pest, causing feeding damage and transmitting viruses.
- The maize inbred line Mp708 exhibits enhanced resistance to CLA, but the underlying transcriptomic basis is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the transcriptomic and volatile blend differences between CLA-resistant (Mp708) and susceptible (Tx601) maize genotypes.
- To elucidate the molecular defense mechanisms contributing to Mp708's resistance to CLA.
Main Methods:
- Transcriptomic analysis using mRNA-seq to compare gene expression.
- Analysis of volatile organic compound (VOC) blends.
- Contrastive analysis of defense responses between resistant and susceptible maize lines.
Main Results:
- Mp708 displayed greater transcriptomic remodeling upon CLA infestation than Tx601.
- Activation of hormonal pathways, including ethylene and jasmonic acid, was observed in Mp708.
- Constitutive production of VOCs in both genotypes may play a role in defense.
Conclusions:
- Mp708's resistance to CLA is associated with distinct transcriptomic signatures and defense signaling.
- Understanding these defense networks provides insights into maize pest resistance.
