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ARS Home » Plains Area » Manhattan, Kansas » Center for Grain and Animal Health Research » Hard Winter Wheat Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #204288
Title: Heat-induced Accumulation of Chloroplast Protein Synthesis Elongation Factor, EF-TU, in Winter Wheat

Author
item Ristic, Zoran
item BUKOVNIK, URSKA - KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
item MOMCILOVIC, IVANA - KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
item FU, JIANMING - KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY
item PRASAD, VARA, P.V. - KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY

Submitted to: Journal of Plant Pathology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/3/2007
Publication Date: 3/3/2007
Citation: Ristic, Z., Bukovnik, U., Momcilovic, I., Fu, J., Prasad, V. 2007. Heat-induced Accumulation of Chloroplast Protein Synthesis Elongation Factor, EF-TU, in Winter Wheat. Journal of Plant Pathology. DOI:10.1016/j.jplph.2007.03.003.

Interpretive Summary: Chloroplast protein synthesis elongation factor, EF-Tu, is a plant protein that has been implicated in heat tolerance in corn. Chloroplast EF-Tu is similar in all plants, and it is possible that this protein may be of importance to heat tolerance in other species including wheat. In this study, we assessed heat tolerance and determined the relative abundance of EF-Tu in mature plants (at flowering stage) of twelve cultivars of winter wheat experiencing a 16-d-long heat treatment (36/30C, day/night temperature). In addition, we also investigated the relative amounts of EF-Tu in young plants experiencing a short-term heat shock (4 h at 43C). Heat tolerance was assessed by examining the stability of cell membranes, measuring chlorophyll content, and assessing plant growth traits (shoot dry mass, plant height, tiller number, and ear number). In mature plants, relative amounts of EF-Tu were determined after 7 d of heat stress. High temperature induced accumulation of EF-Tu in mature plants of all cultivars, and a group of cultivars that showed greater accumulation of EF-Tu displayed better tolerance to heat stress. Young plants of all cultivars but one did not show significant increases in the relative levels of EF-Tu. The results of the study suggest that EF-Tu protein may play a role in heat tolerance in winter wheat.

Technical Abstract: Chloroplast protein synthesis elongation factor, EF-Tu, has been implicated in heat tolerance in maize (Zea mays L.). Chloroplast EF-Tu is highly conserved, and it is possible that this protein may be of importance to heat tolerance in other species including wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). In this study, we assessed heat tolerance and determined the relative levels of EF-Tu in mature plants (at flowering stage) of twelve cultivars of winter wheat experiencing a 16-d-long heat treatment (36/30C, day/night temperature). In addition, we also investigated the expression of EF-Tu in young plants experiencing a short-term heat shock (4 h at 43C). Heat tolerance was assessed by examining the stability of thylakoid membranes, measuring chlorophyll content, and assessing plant growth traits (shoot dry mass, plant height, tiller number, and ear number). In mature plants, relative levels of EF-Tu were determined after 7 d of heat stress. High temperature induced accumulation of EF-Tu in mature plants of all cultivars, and a group of cultivars that showed greater accumulation of EF-Tu displayed better tolerance to heat stress. Young plants of all cultivars but one did not show significant increases in the relative levels of EF-Tu. The results of the study suggest that EF-Tu protein may play a role in heat tolerance in winter wheat.