International Journal of Molecular Sciences

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16 pages, 1309 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Use of PTI-Marker Genes to Identify Novel Compounds that Establish Induced Resistance in Rice

by Jonas De Kesel, Ramsés Gómez-Rodríguez, Eli Bonneure, Sven Mangelinckx and Tina Kyndt

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(1), 317; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21010317 - 02 Jan 2020

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4170

Abstract

Compounds that establish induced resistance (IR) in plants are promising alternatives for the pesticides that are progressively being banned worldwide. Screening platforms to identify IR-establishing compounds have been developed, but none were specifically designed for monocot plants. Here, we propose the use of [...] Read more.

Compounds that establish induced resistance (IR) in plants are promising alternatives for the pesticides that are progressively being banned worldwide. Screening platforms to identify IR-establishing compounds have been developed, but none were specifically designed for monocot plants. Here, we propose the use of an RT-qPCR screening platform, based on conserved immunity marker genes of rice as proxy for IR induction. Central regulators of biotic stress responses of rice were identified with a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), using more than 350 microarray datasets of rice under various sorts of biotic stress. Candidate genes were narrowed down to six immunity marker genes, based on consistent association with pattern-triggered immunity (PTI), both in rice plants as in rice cell suspension cultures (RCSCs). By monitoring the expression of these genes in RCSCs upon treatment with candidate IR-inducing compounds, we showed that our marker genes can predict IR induction in rice. Diproline, a novel IR-establishing compound for monocots that was detected with these marker genes, was shown to induce rice resistance against root-knot nematodes, without fitness costs. Gene expression profiling of the here-described PTI-marker genes can be executed on fully-grown plants or in RCSCs, providing a novel and versatile tool to predict IR induction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Elicitors of Resistance and the Future of Plant Protection)

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10 pages, 1082 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Chitosan Application in Vineyards (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Tinto Cão) Induces Accumulation of Anthocyanins and Other Phenolics in Berries, Mediated by Modifications in the Transcription of Secondary Metabolism Genes

by Rupesh Kumar Singh, Viviana Martins, Bruno Soares, Isaura Castro and Virgílio Falco

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2020, 21(1), 306; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21010306 - 02 Jan 2020

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 4259

Abstract

Despite the numerous beneficial properties and uses of chitosan in agriculture, the molecular mechanisms behind its elicitation potential are still unclear. This study aimed at understanding the effect of chitosan application in the levels of phenolic compounds of Vitis vinifera L. red grapes [...] Read more.

Despite the numerous beneficial properties and uses of chitosan in agriculture, the molecular mechanisms behind its elicitation potential are still unclear. This study aimed at understanding the effect of chitosan application in the levels of phenolic compounds of Vitis vinifera L. red grapes berry skin (cv. Tinto Cão) during veraison. Grapevines were treated with chitosan (0.01% in 0.01% acetic acid) while control grapevines were sprayed with 0.01% acetic acid. Results showed that several monomeric anthocyanins increased significantly in berry skins after treatment with chitosan. Additionally, Catechin, Rutin and Querecetin-3-O-galactoside were also recorded in higher amount upon chitosan treatment. Besides modulating the phenolic content, chitosan treatment also induced modifications in several target genes encoding key enzymes and transporters involved in secondary metabolic pathways. For instance, the genes PAL, CHS, F3H, ANR, UFGT, ABCC1, GST, MATE1 were upregulated in leaves and berry skins at veraison cessation in response to chitosan treatment. Overall, the results demonstrated that chitosan has a stimulatory effect on the accumulation of phenolic compounds, including anthocyanins, mediated by modifications in the transcription of key genes involved in their biosynthesis and transport in grape berries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Elicitors of Resistance and the Future of Plant Protection)

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18 pages, 1589 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bioactive Polyphenols Modulate Enzymes Involved in Grapevine Pathogenesis and Chitinase Activity at Increasing Complexity Levels

by Antonio Filippi, Elisa Petrussa, Francesco Boscutti, Marco Vuerich, Urska Vrhovsek, Zohreh Rabiei and Enrico Braidot

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2019, 20(24), 6357; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20246357 - 17 Dec 2019

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2984

Abstract

The reduction of synthetic chemistry use in modern viticulture relies on either the biological control of microorganisms or the induction of pathogenesis-related proteins. In the present study, the effects of hydro-alcoholic plant extracts (PEs) (i.e., by-products of Vitis vinifera L., leaves of Olea [...] Read more.

The reduction of synthetic chemistry use in modern viticulture relies on either the biological control of microorganisms or the induction of pathogenesis-related proteins. In the present study, the effects of hydro-alcoholic plant extracts (PEs) (i.e., by-products of Vitis vinifera L., leaves of Olea europaea L. and Ailanthus altissima (Mill.) Swingle) were tested on purified enzymes activity involved in plant-pathogen interactions. The polyphenolic composition was assayed and analyzed to characterize the extract profiles. In addition, suspension cell cultures of grapevine were treated with PEs to study their modulation of chitinase activity. Application of grape marc’s PE enhanced chitinase activity at 4 g L⁻¹. Additionally, foliar treatment of grape marc’s PE at two doses (4 g L⁻¹ and 800 g L⁻¹) on grapevine cuttings induced a concentration-dependent stimulation of chitinase activity. The obtained results showed that the application of bioactive compounds based on PEs, rich in phenolic compounds, was effective both at in vitro and ex/in vivo level. The overall effects of PEs on plant-pathogen interaction were further discussed by applying a multi-criteria decision analysis, showing that grape marc was the most effective extract. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Elicitors of Resistance and the Future of Plant Protection)

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33 pages, 4342 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Paraburkholderia phytofirmans PsJN on Grapevine Phenolic Metabolism

by Lidiane Miotto-Vilanova, Barbara Courteaux, Rosa Padilla, Fanja Rabenoelina, Cédric Jacquard, Christophe Clément, Gilles Comte, Céline Lavire, Essaïd Ait Barka, Isabelle Kerzaon and Lisa Sanchez

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2019, 20(22), 5775; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20225775 - 16 Nov 2019

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4270

Abstract

Phenolic compounds are implied in plant-microorganisms interaction and may be induced in response to plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs). Among PGPR, the beneficial bacterium Paraburkholderia phytofirmans PsJN was previously described to stimulate the growth of plants and to induce a better adaptation to both [...] Read more.

Phenolic compounds are implied in plant-microorganisms interaction and may be induced in response to plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs). Among PGPR, the beneficial bacterium Paraburkholderia phytofirmans PsJN was previously described to stimulate the growth of plants and to induce a better adaptation to both abiotic and biotic stresses. This study aimed to investigate the impact of PsJN on grapevine secondary metabolism. For this purpose, gene expression (qRT-PCR) and profiling of plant secondary metabolites (UHPLC-UV/DAD-MS QTOF) from both grapevine root and leaves were compared between non-bacterized and PsJN-bacterized grapevine plantlets. Our results showed that PsJN induced locally (roots) and systemically (leaves) an overexpression of PAL and STS and specifically in leaves the overexpression of all the genes implied in phenylpropanoid and flavonoid pathways. Moreover, the metabolomic approach revealed that relative amounts of 32 and 17 compounds in roots and leaves, respectively, were significantly modified by PsJN. Once identified to be accumulated in response to PsJN by the metabolomic approach, antifungal properties of purified molecules were validated in vitro for their antifungal effect on Botrytis cinerea spore germination. Taking together, our findings on the impact of PsJN on phenolic metabolism allowed us to identify a supplementary biocontrol mechanism developed by this PGPR to induce plant resistance against pathogens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Elicitors of Resistance and the Future of Plant Protection)

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19 pages, 3971 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fusaricidin Produced by Paenibacillus polymyxa WLY78 Induces Systemic Resistance against Fusarium Wilt of Cucumber

by Yunlong Li and Sanfeng Chen

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2019, 20(20), 5240; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20205240 - 22 Oct 2019

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 5213

Abstract

Cucumber is an important vegetable crop in China. Fusarium wilt is a soil-borne disease that can significantly reduce cucumber yields. Paenibacillus polymyxa WLY78 can strongly inhibit Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Cucumerium, which causes Fusarium wilt disease. In this study, we screened the [...] Read more.

Cucumber is an important vegetable crop in China. Fusarium wilt is a soil-borne disease that can significantly reduce cucumber yields. Paenibacillus polymyxa WLY78 can strongly inhibit Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Cucumerium, which causes Fusarium wilt disease. In this study, we screened the genome of WLY78 and found eight potential antibiotic biosynthesis gene clusters. Mutation analysis showed that among the eight clusters, the fusaricidin synthesis (fus) gene cluster is involved in inhibiting the Fusarium genus, Verticillium albo-atrum, Monilia persoon, Alternaria mali, Botrytis cinereal, and Aspergillus niger. Further mutation analysis revealed that with the exception of fusTE, the seven genes fusG, fusF, fusE, fusD, fusC, fusB, and fusA within the fus cluster were all involved in inhibiting fungi. This is the first time that demonstrated that fusTE was not essential. We first report the inhibitory mode of fusaricidin to inhibit spore germination and disrupt hyphal membranes. A biocontrol assay demonstrated that fusaricidin played a major role in controlling Fusarium wilt disease. Additionally, qRT-PCR demonstrated that fusaricidin could induce systemic resistance via salicylic acid (SA) signal against Fusarium wilt of cucumber. WLY78 is the first reported strain to both produce fusaricidin and fix nitrogen. Therefore, our results demonstrate that WLY78 will have great potential as a biocontrol agent in agriculture. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Elicitors of Resistance and the Future of Plant Protection)

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15 pages, 2645 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Formation of α-Farnesene in Tea (Camellia sinensis) Leaves Induced by Herbivore-Derived Wounding and Its Effect on Neighboring Tea Plants

by Xuewen Wang, Lanting Zeng, Yinyin Liao, Jianlong Li, Jinchi Tang and Ziyin Yang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2019, 20(17), 4151; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20174151 - 25 Aug 2019

Cited by 45 | Viewed by 4129

Abstract

Herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) play important ecological roles in defense against stresses. In contrast to model plants, reports on HIPV formation and function in crops are limited. Tea (Camellia sinensis) is an important crop in China. α-Farnesene is a common HIPV [...] Read more.

Herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) play important ecological roles in defense against stresses. In contrast to model plants, reports on HIPV formation and function in crops are limited. Tea (Camellia sinensis) is an important crop in China. α-Farnesene is a common HIPV produced in tea plants in response to different herbivore attacks. In this study, a C. sinensis α-farnesene synthase (CsAFS) was isolated, cloned, sequenced, and functionally characterized. The CsAFS recombinant protein produced in Escherichia coli was able to transform farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) into α-farnesene and also convert geranyl diphosphate (GPP) to β-ocimene in vitro. Furthermore, transient expression analysis in Nicotiana benthamiana plants indicated that CsAFS was located in the cytoplasm and could convert FPP to α-farnesene in plants. Wounding, to simulate herbivore damage, activated jasmonic acid (JA) formation, which significantly enhanced the CsAFS expression level and α-farnesene content. This suggested that herbivore-derived wounding induced α-farnesene formation in tea leaves. Furthermore, the emitted α-farnesene might act as a signal to activate antibacterial-related factors in neighboring undamaged tea leaves. This research advances our understanding of the formation and signaling roles of common HIPVs in crops such as tea plants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Elicitors of Resistance and the Future of Plant Protection)

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13 pages, 1892 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Protective Effect of Trichoderma asperellum on Tomato Plants against Fusarium oxysporum and Botrytis cinerea Diseases Involves Inhibition of Reactive Oxygen Species Production

by Verónica I. Herrera-Téllez, Ana K. Cruz-Olmedo, Javier Plasencia, Marina Gavilanes-Ruíz, Oscar Arce-Cervantes, Sergio Hernández-León and Mariana Saucedo-García

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2019, 20(8), 2007; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20082007 - 24 Apr 2019

Cited by 52 | Viewed by 5639

Abstract

Trichoderma species are fungi widely employed as plant-growth-promoting agents and for biological control. Several commercial and laboratory-made solid formulations for mass production of Trichoderma have been reported. In this study, we evaluated a solid kaolin-based formulation to promote the absortion/retention of Trichoderma asperellum [...] Read more.

Trichoderma species are fungi widely employed as plant-growth-promoting agents and for biological control. Several commercial and laboratory-made solid formulations for mass production of Trichoderma have been reported. In this study, we evaluated a solid kaolin-based formulation to promote the absortion/retention of Trichoderma asperellum in the substrate for growing tomato plants. The unique implementation of this solid formulation resulted in an increased growth of the tomato plants, both in roots and shoots after 40 days of its application. Plants were challenged with two fungal pathogens, Fusarium oxysporum and Botrytis cinerea, and pretreatment with T. asperellum resulted in less severe wilting and stunting symptoms than non-treated plants. Treatment with T. asperellum formulation inhibited Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production in response to the pathogens in comparison to plants that were only challenged with both pathogens. These results suggest that decrease in ROS levels contribute to the protective effects exerted by T. asperellum in tomato. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Elicitors of Resistance and the Future of Plant Protection)

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Review

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21 pages, 618 KiB

Open AccessReview

Citrus Genetic Engineering for Disease Resistance: Past, Present and Future

by Lifang Sun, Nasrullah, Fuzhi Ke, Zhenpeng Nie, Ping Wang and Jianguo Xu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2019, 20(21), 5256; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20215256 - 23 Oct 2019

Cited by 55 | Viewed by 8843

Abstract

Worldwide, citrus is one of the most important fruit crops and is grown in more than 130 countries, predominantly in tropical and subtropical areas. The healthy progress of the citrus industry has been seriously affected by biotic and abiotic stresses. Several diseases, such [...] Read more.

Worldwide, citrus is one of the most important fruit crops and is grown in more than 130 countries, predominantly in tropical and subtropical areas. The healthy progress of the citrus industry has been seriously affected by biotic and abiotic stresses. Several diseases, such as canker and huanglongbing, etc., rigorously affect citrus plant growth, fruit quality, and yield. Genetic engineering technologies, such as genetic transformation and genome editing, represent successful and attractive approaches for developing disease-resistant crops. These genetic engineering technologies have been widely used to develop citrus disease-resistant varieties against canker, huanglongbing, and many other fungal and viral diseases. Recently, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based systems have made genome editing an indispensable genetic manipulation tool that has been applied to many crops, including citrus. The improved CRISPR systems, such as CRISPR/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas)9 and CRISPR/Cpf1 systems, can provide a promising new corridor for generating citrus varieties that are resistant to different pathogens. The advances in biotechnological tools and the complete genome sequence of several citrus species will undoubtedly improve the breeding for citrus disease resistance with a much greater degree of precision. Here, we attempt to summarize the recent successful progress that has been achieved in the effective application of genetic engineering and genome editing technologies to obtain citrus disease-resistant (bacterial, fungal, and virus) crops. Furthermore, we also discuss the opportunities and challenges of genetic engineering and genome editing technologies for citrus disease resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Elicitors of Resistance and the Future of Plant Protection)

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