Transcription factor WOX11 modulates tolerance to cyst nematodes via adventitious lateral root formation.

The transcription factor WUSCHEL-RELATED HOMEOBOX 11 (WOX11) in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) initiates the formation of adventitious lateral roots upon mechanical injury in primary roots. Root-invading nematodes also induce de novo root organogenesis leading to excessive root branching, but it is not known if this symptom of disease involves mediation by WOX11 and if it benefits the plant. Here, we show with targeted transcriptional repression and reporter gene analyses in Arabidopsis that the beet cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii activates WOX11-mediated adventitious lateral rooting from primary roots close to infection sites.

Leaf resistance to in wild tomato depends on inoculum composition.

Tomato (S) cv. Moneymaker (MM) is very susceptible to the grey mould , while quantitative resistance in the wild species (accession LYC4) has been reported. In leaf inoculation assays, an effect of nutrient and spore concentration on disease incidence was observed.