Septoria Leaf Blotch and Reduced Nitrogen Availability Alter WRKY Transcription Factor Expression in a Codependent Manner.

A major cause of yield loss in wheat worldwide is the fungal pathogen , a hemibiotrophic fungus which causes Septoria leaf blotch, the most destructive wheat disease in Europe. Resistance in commercial wheat varieties is poor, however, a link between reduced nitrogen availability and increased Septoria tolerance has been observed. We have shown that Septoria load is not affected by nitrogen, whilst the fungus is in its first, symptomless stage of growth.