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ARS Home » Midwest Area » West Lafayette, Indiana » Crop Production and Pest Control Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #242833
Title: Hessian Fly-Induced Resistance and Susceptibility in Wheat

Author
item Williams, Christie
item SUBRAMANYAM, SUBHASHREE - Purdue University
item Shukle, Richard

Submitted to: Mid Atlantic Plant Molecular Biology Society Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/16/2009
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Through a gene-for-gene interaction, Hessian fly larvae induce in their wheat plant hosts either resistance or susceptibility. If the plant carries an appropriate resistance gene, it recognizes larval effectors and induces a low-cost resistance response that includes production of toxic lectins and reinforcement of its surface cells. As a result, microvilli in the larval midgut are damaged and the larvae are unable to establish permanent feeding sites. However, if larvae are able to attack without triggering the plant’s surveillance system, they can block resistance, even if plant resistance has already been induced in adjacent by a previous larval infestation. The induction of susceptibility leads to changes in plant cell permeability associated with loss of cuticular waxes and cutins, blockage of cell repair mechanisms and activation of pathways that deliver nutrients to the larvae. The spreading of this nutritive tissue is able to rescue even genetically avirulent larvae if they are located in close proximity to virulent larvae that induced the plant susceptibility. Molecular events leading to these changes will be discussed.