Search for host defense markers uncovers an apple agglutination factor corresponding with fire blight resistance.

Pathenogenesis-related (PR) proteins are extensively used as molecular markers to dissect the signaling cascades leading to plant defense responses. However, studies focusing on the biochemical or biological properties of these proteins remain rare. Here, we identify and characterize a class of apple (Malus domestica) PR proteins, named M.

A new avirulence gene of Leptosphaeria maculans, AvrLm14, identifies a resistance source in American broccoli (Brassica oleracea) genotypes.

In many cultivated crops, sources of resistance to diseases are sparse and rely on introgression from wild relatives. Agricultural crops often are allopolyploids resulting from interspecific crosses between related species, which are sources of diversity for resistance genes. This is the case for Brassica napus (oilseed rape, canola), an interspecific hybrid between Brassica rapa (turnip) and Brassica oleracea (cabbage).

A two genes - for - one gene interaction between Leptosphaeria maculans and Brassica napus.

Interactions between Leptosphaeria maculans, causal agent of stem canker of oilseed rape, and its Brassica hosts are models of choice to explore the multiplicity of 'gene-for-gene' complementarities and how they diversified to increased complexity in the course of plant-pathogen co-evolution. Here, we support this postulate by investigating the AvrLm10 avirulence that induces a resistance response when recognized by the Brassica nigra resistance gene Rlm10. Using genome-assisted map-based cloning, we identified and cloned two AvrLm10 candidates as two genes in opposite transcriptional orientation located in a subtelomeric repeat-rich region of the genome.

Biotic Stress-Induced Priming and De-Priming of Transcriptional Memory in and Apple.

Under natural growth conditions, plants experience various and repetitive biotic and abiotic stresses. Salicylic acid (SA) is a key phytohormone involved in the response to biotic challenges. Application of synthetic SA analogues can efficiently prime defense responses, and leads to improved pathogen resistance.

Acibenzolar--Methyl Reprograms Apple Transcriptome Toward Resistance to Rosy Apple Aphid.

Acibenzolar--methyl (ASM) is a chemical compound, which is able to induce resistance in several model and non-model plants, but the end-players of this induced defense remain ill-defined. Here, we test the hypothesis that treatment with ASM can protect apple ( × ) against the rosy apple aphid () and investigate the defense molecules potentially involved in resistance. We measured aphid life traits and performed behavioral assays to study the effect of ASM on plant resistance against the aphid, and then combined transcriptomic, bioinformatics, metabolic and biochemical analyses to identify the plant compounds involved in resistance.

Setting-up a fast and reliable cytokinin biosensor based on a plant histidine kinase receptor expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Cytokinins (CK) have been extensively studied for their roles in plant development. Recently, they also appeared to ensure crucial functions in the pathogenicity of some bacterial and fungal plant pathogens. Thus, identifying cytokinin-producing pathogens is a prerequisite to gain a better understanding of their role in pathogenicity.

When a Plant Resistance Inducer Leaves the Lab for the Field: Integrating ASM into Routine Apple Protection Practices.

Plant resistance inducers, also called elicitors, could be useful to reduce the use of pesticides. However, their performance in controlling diseases in the field remains unsatisfactory due to lack of specific knowledge of how they can integrate crop protection practices. In this work, we focused on apple crop and acibenzolar--methyl (ASM), a well-known SAR (systemic acquired resistance) inducer of numerous plant species.

A game of hide and seek between avirulence genes AvrLm4-7 and AvrLm3 in Leptosphaeria maculans.

Extending the durability of plant resistance genes towards fungal pathogens is a major challenge. We identified and investigated the relationship between two avirulence genes of Leptosphaeria maculans, AvrLm3 and AvrLm4-7. When an isolate possesses both genes, the Rlm3-mediated resistance of oilseed rape (Brassica napus) is not expressed due to the presence of AvrLm4-7 but virulent isolates toward Rlm7 recover the AvrLm3 phenotype.

The AvrE superfamily: ancestral type III effectors involved in suppression of pathogen-associated molecular pattern-triggered immunity.

The AvrE superfamily of type III effectors (T3Es) is widespread among type III-dependent phytobacteria and plays a crucial role during bacterial pathogenesis. Members of the AvrE superfamily are vertically inherited core effectors, indicating an ancestral acquisition of these effectors in bacterial plant pathogens. AvrE-T3Es contribute significantly to virulence by suppressing pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-triggered immunity.

The bacterial effector DspA/E is toxic in Arabidopsis thaliana and is required for multiplication and survival of fire blight pathogen.

The type III effector DspA/E is an essential pathogenicity factor of the phytopathogenic bacterium Erwinia amylovora. We showed that DspA/E was required for transient bacterial growth in nonhost Arabidopsis thaliana leaves, as an E. amylovora dspA/E mutant was unable to grow.

EDS1 contributes to nonhost resistance of Arabidopsis thaliana against Erwinia amylovora.

Erwinia amylovora causes fire blight in rosaceous plants. In nonhost Arabidopsis thaliana, E. amylovora triggers necrotic symptoms associated with transient bacterial multiplication, suggesting either that A.

The HrpN effector of Erwinia amylovora, which is involved in type III translocation, contributes directly or indirectly to callose elicitation on apple leaves.

Erwinia amylovora is responsible for fire blight of apple and pear trees. Its pathogenicity depends on a type III secretion system (T3SS) mediating the translocation of effectors into the plant cell. The DspA/E effector suppresses callose deposition on apple leaves.

Effector diversification within compartments of the Leptosphaeria maculans genome affected by Repeat-Induced Point mutations.

Fungi are of primary ecological, biotechnological and economic importance. Many fundamental biological processes that are shared by animals and fungi are studied in fungi due to their experimental tractability. Many fungi are pathogens or mutualists and are model systems to analyse effector genes and their mechanisms of diversification.