Botrytis-induced signalling target identified

摘要

Researchers from the US Missouri University have identified a key gene in the signalling pathway that regulates plant responses to the fungal pathogen, Botrytis cinerea. Some plant species' resistance to B cinerea is conferred by the production of antimicrobial compounds, known as phytoalexins, which are induced in the presence of invading pathogens. Thale cress (Arabidopsis. thaliana) responds to the presence of B cinerea by producing a phytoalexin, camalexin, which acts as an "antibiotic agent" allowing the plant to successfully defend itself, say the researchers.