Benzoxazinoids in root exudates of maize attract Pseudomonas putida to the rhizosphere.

Benzoxazinoids, such as 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one (DIMBOA), are secondary metabolites in grasses. In addition to their function in plant defence against pests and diseases above-ground, benzoxazinoids (BXs) have also been implicated in defence below-ground, where they can exert allelochemical or antimicrobial activities. We have studied the impact of BXs on the interaction between maize and Pseudomonas putida KT2440, a competitive coloniser of the maize rhizosphere with plant-beneficial traits.

Benzoxazinoid metabolites regulate innate immunity against aphids and fungi in maize.

Benzoxazinoids (BXs), such as 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-2H-1,4-benzoxazin-3(4H)-one (DIMBOA), are secondary metabolites in grasses. The first step in BX biosynthesis converts indole-3-glycerol phosphate into indole. In maize (Zea mays), this reaction is catalyzed by either BENZOXAZINELESS1 (BX1) or INDOLE GLYCEROL PHOSPHATE LYASE (IGL).

Natural variation in priming of basal resistance: from evolutionary origin to agricultural exploitation.

Biotic stress has a major impact on the process of natural selection in plants. As plants have evolved under variable environmental conditions, they have acquired a diverse spectrum of defensive strategies against pathogens and herbivores. Genetic variation in the expression of plant defence offers valuable insights into the evolution of these strategies.

Belowground ABA boosts aboveground production of DIMBOA and primes induction of chlorogenic acid in maize.

Plants are important mediators between above- and belowground herbivores. Consequently, interactions between root and shoot defenses can have far-reaching impacts on entire food webs. We recently reported that infestation of maize roots by larvae of the beetle Diabrotica virgifera virgifera induced shoot resistance against herbivores and pathogens.

Aphid resistance in wheat varieties.

As an environmentally compatible alternative to the use of conventional insecticides to control cereal aphids, we have investigated the possibility to exploit natural resistance to insect pests in wheat varieties. We have tested a wide range of hexaploid (Triticum aestivum), tetraploid (T. durum) and diploid (T.