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21 pages, 6928 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Small Brown Planthopper Nymph Infestation Regulates Plant Defenses by Affecting Secondary Metabolite Biosynthesis in Rice

by Shuai Li, Liangxuan Qi, Xinyang Tan, Shifang Li, Jichao Fang and Rui Ji

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(5), 4764; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24054764 - 1 Mar 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2066

Abstract

The small brown planthopper (SBPH, Laodelphax striatellus) is one of the most destructive insect pests in rice (Oryza sativa), which is the world’s major grain crop. The dynamic changes in the rice transcriptome and metabolome in response to planthopper female [...] Read more.

The small brown planthopper (SBPH, Laodelphax striatellus) is one of the most destructive insect pests in rice (Oryza sativa), which is the world’s major grain crop. The dynamic changes in the rice transcriptome and metabolome in response to planthopper female adult feeding and oviposition have been reported. However, the effects of nymph feeding remain unclear. In this study, we found that pre-infestation with SBPH nymphs increased the susceptibility of rice plants to SBPH infestation. We used a combination of broadly targeted metabolomic and transcriptomic studies to investigate the rice metabolites altered by SBPH feeding. We observed that SBPH feeding induced significant changes in 92 metabolites, including 56 defense-related secondary metabolites (34 flavonoids, 17 alkaloids, and 5 phenolic acids). Notably, there were more downregulated metabolites than upregulated metabolites. Additionally, nymph feeding significantly increased the accumulation of seven phenolamines and three phenolic acids but decreased the levels of most flavonoids. In SBPH-infested groups, 29 differentially accumulated flavonoids were downregulated, and this effect was more pronounced with infestation time. The findings of this study indicate that SBPH nymph feeding suppresses flavonoid biosynthesis in rice, resulting in increased susceptibility to SBPH infestation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Response to Insects and Microbes)

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15 pages, 3048 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Antigenic Membrane Protein (Amp) of Rice Orange Leaf Phytoplasma Suppresses Host Defenses and Is Involved in Pathogenicity

by Zhiyi Wang, Xiaorong Yang, Siqi Zhou, Xishan Zhang, Yingzhi Zhu, Biao Chen, Xiuqin Huang, Xin Yang, Guohui Zhou and Tong Zhang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(5), 4494; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24054494 - 24 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1819

Abstract

Phytoplasmas are uncultivable, phloem-limited, phytopathogenic bacteria that represent a major threat to agriculture worldwide. Phytoplasma membrane proteins are in direct contact with hosts and presumably play a crucial role in phytoplasma spread within the plant as well as by the insect vector. Three [...] Read more.

Phytoplasmas are uncultivable, phloem-limited, phytopathogenic bacteria that represent a major threat to agriculture worldwide. Phytoplasma membrane proteins are in direct contact with hosts and presumably play a crucial role in phytoplasma spread within the plant as well as by the insect vector. Three highly abundant types of immunodominant membrane proteins (IDP) have been identified within the phytoplasmas: immunodominant membrane protein (Imp), immunodominant membrane protein A (IdpA), and antigenic membrane protein (Amp). Although recent results indicate that Amp is involved in host specificity by interacting with host proteins such as actin, little is known about the pathogenicity of IDP in plants. In this study, we identified an antigenic membrane protein (Amp) of rice orange leaf phytoplasma (ROLP), which interacts with the actin of its vector. In addition, we generated Amp-transgenic lines of rice and expressed Amp in tobacco leaves by the potato virus X (PVX) expression system. Our results showed that the Amp of ROLP can induce the accumulation of ROLP and PVX in rice and tobacco plants, respectively. Although several studies have reported interactions between major phytoplasma antigenic membrane protein (Amp) and insect vector proteins, this example demonstrates that Amp protein can not only interact with the actin protein of its insect vector but can also directly inhibit host defense responses to promote the infection. The function of ROLP Amp provides new insights into the phytoplasma-host interaction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Response to Insects and Microbes)

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13 pages, 2697 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Virus-Induced Plant Volatiles Promote Virus Acquisition and Transmission by Insect Vectors

by Xuefei Chang, Yating Guo, Yijia Ren, Yifan Li, Fang Wang, Gongyin Ye and Zhaozhi Lu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(2), 1777; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24021777 - 16 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2078

Abstract

Rice dwarf virus (RDV) is transmitted by insect vectors Nephotettix virescens and Nephotettix cincticeps (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) that threatens rice yield and results in substantial economic losses. RDV induces two volatiles ((E)-β-caryophyllene (EBC) and 2-heptanol) to emit from RDV-infected rice plants. However, the effects [...] Read more.

Rice dwarf virus (RDV) is transmitted by insect vectors Nephotettix virescens and Nephotettix cincticeps (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) that threatens rice yield and results in substantial economic losses. RDV induces two volatiles ((E)-β-caryophyllene (EBC) and 2-heptanol) to emit from RDV-infected rice plants. However, the effects of the two volatiles on the olfactory behavior of both non-viruliferous and viruliferous N. virescens are unknown, and whether the two volatiles could facilitate the spread and dispersal of RDV remains elusive. Combining the methods of insect behavior, chemical ecology, and molecular biology, we found that EBC and 2-heptanol influenced the olfactory behavior of non-viruliferous and viruliferous N. virescens, independently. EBC attracted non-viruliferous N. virescens towards RDV-infected rice plants, promoting virus acquisition by non-viruliferous vectors. The effect was confirmed by using oscas1 mutant rice plants (repressed EBC synthesis), but EBC had no effects on viruliferous N. virescens. 2-heptanol did not attract or repel non-viruliferous N. virescens. However, spraying experiments showed that 2-heptanol repelled viruliferous N. virescens to prefer RDV-free rice plants, which would be conducive to the transmission of the virus. These novel results reveal that rice plant volatiles modify the behavior of N. virescens vectors to promote RDV acquisition and transmission. They will provide new insights into virus–vector–plant interactions, and promote the development of new prevention and control strategies for disease management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Response to Insects and Microbes)

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18 pages, 2871 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Population Response of Rhizosphere Microbiota of Garden Pea Genotypes to Inoculation with Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi

by Slavka Kalapchieva, Ivanka Tringovska, Radka Bozhinova, Valentin Kosev and Tsveta Hristeva

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(2), 1119; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24021119 - 6 Jan 2023

Viewed by 1686

Abstract

This study of a legume’s rhizosphere in tripartite symbiosis focused on the relationships between the symbionts and less on the overall rhizosphere microbiome. We used an experimental model with different garden pea genotypes inoculated with AM fungi (Rhizophagus irregularis and with a [...] Read more.

This study of a legume’s rhizosphere in tripartite symbiosis focused on the relationships between the symbionts and less on the overall rhizosphere microbiome. We used an experimental model with different garden pea genotypes inoculated with AM fungi (Rhizophagus irregularis and with a mix of AM species) to study their influence on the population levels of main trophic groups of soil microorganisms as well as their structure and functional relationships in the rhizosphere microbial community. The experiments were carried out at two phenological cycles of the plants. Analyzes were performed according to classical methods: microbial population density defined as CUF/g a.d.s. and root colonization rate with AMF (%). We found a proven dominant effect of AMF on the densities of micromycetes and actinomycetes in the direction of reduction, suggesting antagonism, and on ammonifying, phosphate-solubilizing and free-living diazotrophic Azotobacter bacteria in the direction of stimulation, an indicator of mutualistic relationships. We determined that the genotype was decisive for the formation of populations of bacteria immobilizing mineral NH₄⁺-N and bacteria Rhizobium. We reported significant two-way relationships between trophic groups related associated with soil nitrogen and phosphorus ions availability. The preserved proportions between trophic groups in the microbial communities were indicative of structural and functional stability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Response to Insects and Microbes)

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16 pages, 1941 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Grapevine Leafroll-Associated Virus 3 in Single and Mixed Infections Triggers Changes in the Oxidative Balance of Four Grapevine Varieties

by Katarina Hančević, Mate Čarija, Sandra Radić Brkanac, Emanuel Gaši, Matevž Likar, Goran Zdunić, Marjana Regvar and Tomislav Radić

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24010008 - 20 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1602

Abstract

With the aim to characterize changes caused by grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3) singly or in coinfection with other viruses and to potentially determine genotype-specific or common markers of viral infection, thirty-six parameters, including nutrient status, oxidative stress parameters, and primary metabolism as [...] Read more.

With the aim to characterize changes caused by grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 (GLRaV-3) singly or in coinfection with other viruses and to potentially determine genotype-specific or common markers of viral infection, thirty-six parameters, including nutrient status, oxidative stress parameters, and primary metabolism as well as symptoms incidence were investigated in ‘Cabernet Franc,’ ‘Merlot,’ ‘Pinot Noir,’ and ‘Tribidrag’ grapevine varieties. Host responses were characterized by changes in cellular redox state rather than disturbances in nutrient status and primary metabolic processes. Superoxide dismutase, hydrogen peroxide, and proteins were drastically affected regardless of the type of isolate, the host, and the duration of the infection, so they present cellular markers of viral infection. No clear biological pattern could be ascertained for each of the GLRaV-3 genotypes. There is a need to provide a greater understanding of virus epidemiology in viticulture due to the increasing natural disasters and climate change to provide for global food production security. Finding grape varieties that will be able to cope with those changes can aid in this task. Among the studied grapevine varieties, autochthonous ‘Tribidrag’ seems to be more tolerant to symptoms development despite numerous physiological changes caused by viruses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Response to Insects and Microbes)

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17 pages, 5941 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Soybean CALCIUM-DEPENDENT PROTEIN KINASE17 Positively Regulates Plant Resistance to Common Cutworm (Spodoptera litura Fabricius)

by Huiqi Wang, Xiao Li, Fenglin Su, Hailun Liu, Dezhou Hu, Fang Huang, Deyue Yu and Hui Wang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(24), 15696; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232415696 - 10 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1731

Abstract

Soybean is frequently attacked by herbivorous pests throughout the growth period. Exploring anti-insect genes to improve insect resistance in soybean is an important soybean breeding goal. Here, we cloned and characterized the gene for a quantitative trait locus (QTL) related to insect resistance, [...] Read more.

Soybean is frequently attacked by herbivorous pests throughout the growth period. Exploring anti-insect genes to improve insect resistance in soybean is an important soybean breeding goal. Here, we cloned and characterized the gene for a quantitative trait locus (QTL) related to insect resistance, Glyma.06g189600, which encodes CALCIUM-DEPENDENT PROTEIN KINASE17 (GmCDPK17) in soybean. The pairwise sequence alignment analysis revealed that the presumed protein of GmCDPK17 shares 52.06% similarity with that of GmCDPK38, a known negative regulatory gene of insect resistance in soybean. Ectopic expression of GmCDPK17 and GmCDPK38 restored the phenotypes of the Arabidopsis insect-susceptible mutant cpk10 and insect-resistant mutant cpk28, respectively. Moreover, transgenic hairy roots of the soybean cultivar Jack were generated by Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Overexpression of GmCDPK17 increased soybean hairy root resistance to common cutworm (CCW), while RNA interference of the gene decreased soybean hairy root resistance to CCW. Sequencing data from the cultivated and wild soybeans were used to analyze the genetic diversity of GmCDPK17. This gene was subjected to domestication selection. Six and seven haplotypes (Haps) were identified in cultivated and wild soybeans, respectively. The resistance Hap1 is not widely used in cultivated soybeans and is mainly distributed at low latitudes. Accessions with resistance haplotypes of the GmCDPK17 and GmCDPK38 genes showed high resistance to CCW. Altogether, we revealed a novel positive regulatory insect resistance gene, GmCDPK17, which may further improve insect resistance in soybean. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Response to Insects and Microbes)

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15 pages, 2440 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Revealing Differential Expression of Phytohormones in Sorghum in Response to Aphid Attack Using the Metabolomics Approach

by Jian Huang, Kumar Shrestha and Yinghua Huang

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(22), 13782; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232213782 - 9 Nov 2022

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2224

Abstract

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is an important multipurpose crop grown worldwide, but like many other crops, it is often threatened by insect pests. Sugarcane aphid (SCA, Melanaphis sacchari Zehntner), for example, is one of the most severe pests in sorghum, which causes [...] Read more.

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is an important multipurpose crop grown worldwide, but like many other crops, it is often threatened by insect pests. Sugarcane aphid (SCA, Melanaphis sacchari Zehntner), for example, is one of the most severe pests in sorghum, which causes plant damage and yield loss. The main objective of this study was to assess the effect of phytohormones on host plant resistance to aphid attack. Two sorghum genotypes, BTx623 (susceptible) and Tx2783 (resistant), were selected for a comparative analysis of differential expression of a group of phytohormones in response to aphid infestation. The quantification of phytohormones through LC-MS demonstrated higher levels of jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA), abscisic acid (ABA), and auxins in the resistant genotype infested with SCA. The PCA plot supports the strong differential responses between resistant and susceptible genotypes, indicating a positive correlation between JA and ABA and a negative correlation between SA and auxins. Similarly, RT-PCR results of the phytohormones-related marker genes showed higher expression in the resistant genotype compared to the susceptible one. Furthermore, to corroborate the role of phytohormones in plant defense, the susceptible genotype was treated with SA, JA, and ABA. The exogenous application of SA and JA + ABA significantly reduced plant mortality, aphid number, and damage in the susceptible genotype, suggesting a strong correlation between phytohormones and plant survival. Our findings indicate that phytohormones play positive roles in plant defense against aphids and provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms operating in plants for self-protection. These findings could also stimulate further research into the mystery about the regulation of phytohormone production during plant interaction with aphids. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Response to Insects and Microbes)

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21 pages, 3226 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Red and Blue Light Differently Influence Actinidia chinensis Performance and Its Interaction with Pseudomonas syringae pv. Actinidiae

by Cristiana Correia, Federico Magnani, Chiara Pastore, Antonio Cellini, Irene Donati, Giuseppina Pennisi, Ivan Paucek, Francesco Orsini, Elodie Vandelle, Conceição Santos and Francesco Spinelli

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(21), 13145; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232113145 - 29 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1707

Abstract

Light composition modulates plant growth and defenses, thus influencing plant–pathogen interactions. We investigated the effects of different light-emitting diode (LED) red (R) (665 nm) and blue (B) (470 nm) light combinations on Actinidia chinensis performance by evaluating biometric parameters, chlorophyll a fluorescence, gas [...] Read more.

Light composition modulates plant growth and defenses, thus influencing plant–pathogen interactions. We investigated the effects of different light-emitting diode (LED) red (R) (665 nm) and blue (B) (470 nm) light combinations on Actinidia chinensis performance by evaluating biometric parameters, chlorophyll a fluorescence, gas exchange and photosynthesis-related gene expression. Moreover, the influence of light on the infection by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa), the etiological agent of bacterial canker of kiwifruit, was investigated. Our study shows that 50%R–50%B (50R) and 25%R–75%B (25R) lead to the highest PSII efficiency and photosynthetic rate, but are the least effective in controlling the endophytic colonization of the host by Psa. Monochromatic red light severely reduced ΦPSII, ETR, Pn, TSS and photosynthesis-related genes expression, and both monochromatic lights lead to a reduction of DW and pigments content. Monochromatic blue light was the only treatment significantly reducing disease symptoms but did not reduce bacterial endophytic population. Our results suggest that monochromatic blue light reduces infection primarily by modulating Psa virulence more than host plant defenses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Response to Insects and Microbes)

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19 pages, 2964 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Contrasting Plant Responses of Sorghum bicolor upon Colonization by Two Formae Speciales of Sporisorium reilianum

by Alana Poloni, Ravindra Garde, Lukas Dorian Dittiger, Theresa Heidrich, Christian Müller, Frank Drechsler, Yulei Zhao, Tilottama Mazumdar and Jan Schirawski

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(16), 8864; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23168864 - 9 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1952

Abstract

The biotrophic fungus Sporisorium reilianum exists in two host-adapted formae speciales that cause head smut in maize (S. reilianum f. sp. zeae; SRZ) and sorghum (S. reilianum f. sp. reilianum; SRS). In sorghum, the spread of SRZ is limited [...] Read more.

The biotrophic fungus Sporisorium reilianum exists in two host-adapted formae speciales that cause head smut in maize (S. reilianum f. sp. zeae; SRZ) and sorghum (S. reilianum f. sp. reilianum; SRS). In sorghum, the spread of SRZ is limited to the leaves. To understand the plant responses to each forma specialis, we determined the transcriptome of sorghum leaves inoculated either with SRS or SRZ. Fungal inoculation led to gene expression rather than suppression in sorghum. SRZ induced a much greater number of genes than SRS. Each forma specialis induced a distinct set of plant genes. The SRZ-induced genes were involved in plant defense mainly at the plasma membrane and were associated with the Molecular Function Gene Ontology terms chitin binding, abscisic acid binding, protein phosphatase inhibitor activity, terpene synthase activity, chitinase activity, transmembrane transporter activity and signaling receptor activity. Specifically, we found an upregulation of the genes involved in phospholipid degradation and sphingolipid biosynthesis, suggesting that the lipid content of the plant plasma membrane may contribute to preventing the systemic spread of SRZ. In contrast, the colonization of sorghum with SRS increased the expression of the genes involved in the detoxification of cellular oxidants and in the unfolded protein response at the endoplasmic reticulum, as well as of the genes modifying the cuticle wax and lipid composition through the generation of alkanes and phytosterols. These results identified plant compartments that may have a function in resistance against SRZ (plasma membrane) and susceptibility towards SRS (endoplasmic reticulum) that need more attention in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Response to Insects and Microbes)

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21 pages, 8776 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The γ-Core Motif Peptides of AMPs from Grasses Display Inhibitory Activity against Human and Plant Pathogens

by Marina P. Slezina, Ekaterina A. Istomina, Ekaterina V. Kulakovskaya, Tatyana V. Korostyleva and Tatyana I. Odintsova

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(15), 8383; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23158383 - 29 Jul 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1745

Abstract

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) constitute an essential part of the plant immune system. They are regarded as alternatives to conventional antibiotics and pesticides. In this study, we have identified the γ-core motifs, which are associated with antimicrobial activity, in 18 AMPs from grasses and [...] Read more.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) constitute an essential part of the plant immune system. They are regarded as alternatives to conventional antibiotics and pesticides. In this study, we have identified the γ-core motifs, which are associated with antimicrobial activity, in 18 AMPs from grasses and assayed their antimicrobial properties against nine pathogens, including yeasts affecting humans, as well as plant pathogenic bacteria and fungi. All the tested peptides displayed antimicrobial properties. We discovered a number of short AMP-derived peptides with high antimicrobial activity both against human and plant pathogens. For the first time, antimicrobial activity was revealed in the peptides designed from the 4-Cys-containing defensin-like peptides, whose role in plant immunity has remained unknown, as well as the knottin-like peptide and the C-terminal prodomain of the thionin, which points to the direct involvement of these peptides in defense mechanisms. Studies of the mode of action of the eight most active γ-core motif peptides on yeast cells using staining with propidium iodide showed that all of them induced membrane permeabilization leading to cell lysis. In addition to identification of the antimicrobial determinants in plant AMPs, this work provides short candidate peptide molecules for the development of novel drugs effective against opportunistic fungal infections and biopesticides to control plant pathogens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Response to Insects and Microbes)

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Review

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43 pages, 860 KiB

Open AccessReview

The γ-Core Motif Peptides of Plant AMPs as Novel Antimicrobials for Medicine and Agriculture

by Marina P. Slezina, Ekaterina A. Istomina, Tatyana V. Korostyleva and Tatyana I. Odintsova

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(1), 483; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24010483 - 28 Dec 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2150

Abstract

The γ-core motif is a structural element shared by most host antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which is supposed to contribute to their antimicrobial properties. In this review, we summarized the available data on the γ-core peptides of plant AMPs. We describe γ-core peptides that [...] Read more.

The γ-core motif is a structural element shared by most host antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), which is supposed to contribute to their antimicrobial properties. In this review, we summarized the available data on the γ-core peptides of plant AMPs. We describe γ-core peptides that have been shown to exhibit inhibitory activity against plant and human bacterial and fungal pathogens that make them attractive scaffolds for the development of novel anti-infective agents. Their advantages include origin from natural AMP sequences, broad-spectrum and potent inhibitory activity, and cost-effective production. In addition, some γ-core peptides combine antimicrobial and immunomodulatory functions, thus broadening the spectrum of practical applications. Some act synergistically with antimycotics and fungicides, so combinations of peptides with conventionally used antifungal agents can be suggested as an effective strategy to reduce the doses of potentially harmful chemicals. The presented information will pave the way for the design of novel antimicrobials on the basis of γ-core motif peptides, which can find application in medicine and the protection of crops from diseases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Response to Insects and Microbes)

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