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Epidermal bladder cells as a herbivore defense mechanism
Max W Moog1, Xiuyan Yang1, Amalie K Bendtsen1
1Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark.
Current Biology : CB
|October 18, 2023
Summary
Epidermal bladder cells (EBCs) on quinoa and ice plants do not aid salt and drought tolerance. Instead, these structures protect plants from herbivores and pathogens, offering new crop protection strategies.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Ecology
- Agricultural science
Background:
- Epidermal bladder cells (EBCs) are modified trichomes on plants like quinoa and ice plants.
- EBCs were previously thought to be crucial for extreme salt and drought tolerance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the actual role of EBCs in abiotic stress tolerance.
- To identify alternative functions of EBCs in plant defense.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of quinoa and ice plant under varying water availability.
- Assessment of herbivore and pathogen interactions with plants possessing EBCs.
Main Results:
- EBCs play a minor role in abiotic stress tolerance and are detrimental under water deficit.
- EBCs act as a physical and chemical barrier against generalist arthropod herbivores.
- EBCs provide protection against a specific phytopathogen.
Conclusions:
- The established link between EBCs and salt/drought tolerance is challenged.
- EBCs have novel functions in deterring herbivores and protecting against pathogens.
- EBCs offer potential for developing new crop protection strategies against pests.
Keywords:
Chenopodium quinoaMesembryanthemum crystallinumabiotic stressbiotic stressdrought toleranceepidermal bladder cellsherbivoryphytopathogensalt toleranceMore Related Videos
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