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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
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Evaluating Leaf Responses to Microbial Secondary Metabolites Using A High-Throughput Format
Published on: December 5, 2025
Leaf Structure and Hormonal Balance Modulate Host-Specificity and Pathogenicity of Botrytis cinerea
Gautam Anand1,2,3, Chen Benoni2,4, Meirav Leibman-Markus1
1Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
Plant, Cell & Environment
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Botrytis cinerea exhibits host preference, influenced by leaf structure and cytokinin. This fungus can also trigger plant immunity and even promote growth, offering insights for sustainable disease control.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Mycology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Botrytis cinerea is a versatile fungal pathogen with a broad host range.
- Factors influencing its host specificity and non-pathogenic interactions are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate host preference in Botrytis cinerea isolates.
- To identify factors governing host recognition and non-pathogenic interactions.
- To explore the potential for beneficial plant-fungus interactions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic assessment of host preference across agricultural isolates.
- Analysis of leaf structure and cytokinin content in relation to host interaction.
- Investigation of plant immune responses (salicylic acid and ethylene pathways) to B. cinerea.
Main Results:
- B. cinerea isolates showed host preference and reduced pathogenicity on non-host plants.
- Leaf structure and cytokinin levels were identified as key factors in host recognition.
- B. cinerea induced plant cellular immunity and broad-spectrum resistance, with some isolates promoting plant growth.
Conclusions:
- Botrytis cinerea demonstrates adaptable host interaction strategies.
- Plant immune pathways, including salicylic acid and ethylene, are crucial for defense.
- Understanding these interactions can lead to eco-friendly disease management strategies.
Keywords:
B. cinereacytokininendophytismhost‐specificityinduced resistancejasmonic acidsalicylic acidMore Related Videos
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