Plant Resistance Induced by Microorganisms and Pathogens

A special issue of Pathogens (ISSN 2076-0817). This special issue belongs to the section "Immunological Responses and Immune Defense Mechanisms".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 August 2021) | Viewed by 26671

Special Issue Editors


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Department of Biology, Biochemistry and Natural Sciences (BBiCN), Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Section, Jaume I University, Castellón de la Plana, Spain
Interests: induced resistance and priming against pest and pathogens; development of resistance inducers and priming agents; chromatography applied to plant defense; study of plant-arthropod interactions; hormonal metabolism in defense priming; peptide-induced resistance; mycorrhiza-induced resistance in tomato and citrus

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Special Issue Information

Dear colleges

Plant pathogens and pests represent one of the major threats to global food production, being responsible for the crop loses estimated in more than 30% of the global production. The main strategy to cope with these challenges, whilst avoiding the use of pesticides, is the induction of plant immune system. Immune systems of the plants can be induced by several stimuli, including pathogen challenge, avirulent bacteria and beneficial microorganisms such as plant growth promotion microbes (PGPM) and mycorrhizal fungi. All these stimuli lead the plant to a Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR), Induced Systemic Resistance (ISR) or Mycorrhiza-Induced Resistance (MIR). The use of beneficial microorganisms is the most widely applied alternative method to control various arthropod pests and pathogens in organic farming and IPM programs. Although the number of publications associated with the use of all these inducers has been growing exponentially in the last decades, most of the mechanisms underlying this induced-resistance are still far from being clear. SAR is the most studied acquired resistance, but out of the stimuli that can induce SAR pathogen-induced resistance has been the least studied one. Regarding plant growth promotion (PGP), only few studies are associated with mechanistic studies or modes of action and with some exception, almost all of these few articles are focused on nitrogen fixation, and auxin-mediated phytostimulation. In the case of mycorrhizal fungi, mycorrhizas affect the host plant interaction with multiple organisms including pathogenic ones. Even though the overall protection depends on the AMF-plant-attacker combination, induced-resistance against pathogenic organisms and herbivorous arthropods below- and aboveground plant parts have been described for many interactions.

As such, soil-borne beneficial microbes are of particular interest as vaccination agents, capable of enhancing plant resistance to biotic stressors. The most important requisite to develop and apply beneficial microorganisms and their mimics in the field is to have as much knowledge as possible of the mechanisms and pathways involved in the induced resistance and how context dependency influences it.

The focus of this Special Issue is on highlighting the mechanisms behind plant resistance induced by pathogens and microorganisms. Studies on the role of plant symbiotes, PGPs, pathogen attacks and chemical inducers in modulating plant defense responses will be considered. This includes the action of pathogenic effectors, as well as specific aspects of signaling and response perception through the activation of different defense mechanisms.

Prof. Paloma Sanchez-Bel
Dr. Ainhoa Martínez-Medina
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • plant-pathogen interaction
  • plant immunity
  • priming
  • systemic acquired resistance
  • induced systemic resistance
  • mycorrhiza induced-resistance
  • perception and signaling
  • plant defense.

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 18302 KiB  
Article
Healthy Photosynthetic Mechanism Suggests ISR Elicited by Bacillus spp. in Capsicum chinense Plants Infected with PepGMV
by Blancka Yesenia Samaniego-Gámez, René Garruña, José M. Tun-Suárez, Oscar A. Moreno-Valenzuela, Arturo Reyes-Ramírez, Raúl Enrique Valle-Gough, Carlos Enrique Ail-Catzim and Lydia Toscano-Palomar
Pathogens 2021, 10(4), 455; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens10040455 - 10 Apr 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2203
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of inoculation with Bacillus spp. isolates on the photosynthetic apparatus of Capsicum chinense plants infected with PepGMV. In vitro and greenhouse experiments were performed to evaluate whether the inoculation improved plants’ performance through [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of inoculation with Bacillus spp. isolates on the photosynthetic apparatus of Capsicum chinense plants infected with PepGMV. In vitro and greenhouse experiments were performed to evaluate whether the inoculation improved plants’ performance through the increase in photosynthetic efficiency to control PepGMV. The results showed that despite PepGMV infection, the plants inoculated with some isolates of Bacillus spp. had a healthy photosynthetic mechanism, as the photochemical parameters and gas exchange increased. The maximum photochemical quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) of plants with PepGMV and inoculated with Bacillus isolates (M9, K46, and K47) increased (7.85, 7.09, and 7.77%, respectively) with respect to uninoculated controls. In inoculated plants, the CO2 assimilation rate increased and the transpiration rate decreased, therefore indicating an increased water use efficiency. This effect was reflected by the less severe symptoms caused by PepGMV in the plants obtained from seeds inoculated with different Bacillus spp. Plants inoculated with K47 isolates showed an increase in fruit yield and quality. This study suggests that it is possible to protect, at the greenhouse level, C. chinense plants from PepGMV through selected rhizobacteria inoculation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Resistance Induced by Microorganisms and Pathogens)
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14 pages, 1168 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Potential of Meyerozyma guilliermondii on Physiological Performances and Defense Response against Fusarium Crown Rot on Durum Wheat
by Zayneb Kthiri, Maissa Ben Jabeur, Fadia Chairi, Camilo López-Cristoffanini, Marta López-Carbonell, Maria Dolores Serret, Jose Luis Araus, Chahine Karmous and Walid Hamada
Pathogens 2021, 10(1), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens10010052 - 8 Jan 2021
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3535
Abstract
Coating seeds with bio-control agents is a potentially effective approach to reduce the usage of pesticides and fertilizers applied and protect the natural environment. This study evaluated the effect of seed coating with Meyerozyma guilliermondii, strain INAT (MT731365), on seed germination, plant [...] Read more.
Coating seeds with bio-control agents is a potentially effective approach to reduce the usage of pesticides and fertilizers applied and protect the natural environment. This study evaluated the effect of seed coating with Meyerozyma guilliermondii, strain INAT (MT731365), on seed germination, plant growth and photosynthesis, and plant resistance against Fusarium culmorum, in durum wheat under controlled conditions. Compared to control plants, seed coating with M. guilliermondii promoted the wheat growth (shoot and roots length and biomass), and photosynthesis and transpiration traits (chlorophyll, ɸPSII, rates of photosynthesis and transpiration, etc.) together with higher nitrogen balance index (NBI) and lower flavonols and anthocyanins. At 21 days post infection with Fusarium, M. guilliermondii was found to reduce the disease incidence and the severity, with reduction rates reaching up to 31.2% and 30.4%, respectively, as well as to alleviate the disease damaging impact on photosynthesis and plant growth. This was associated with lower ABA, flavonols and anthocyanins, compared to infected control. A pivotal function of M. guilliermondii as an antagonist of F. culmorum and a growth promoter is discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Resistance Induced by Microorganisms and Pathogens)
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15 pages, 1706 KiB  
Article
Induction of Fusarium lytic Enzymes by Extracts from Resistant and Susceptible Cultivars of Pea (Pisum sativum L.)
by Lakshmipriya Perincherry, Chaima Ajmi, Souheib Oueslati, Agnieszka Waśkiewicz and Łukasz Stępień
Pathogens 2020, 9(11), 976; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens9110976 - 23 Nov 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2558
Abstract
Being pathogenic fungi, Fusarium produce various extracellular cell wall-degrading enzymes (CWDEs) that degrade the polysaccharides in the plant cell wall. They also produce mycotoxins that contaminate grains, thereby posing a serious threat to animals and human beings. Exposure to mycotoxins occurs through ingestion [...] Read more.
Being pathogenic fungi, Fusarium produce various extracellular cell wall-degrading enzymes (CWDEs) that degrade the polysaccharides in the plant cell wall. They also produce mycotoxins that contaminate grains, thereby posing a serious threat to animals and human beings. Exposure to mycotoxins occurs through ingestion of contaminated grains, inhalation and through skin absorption, thereby causing mycotoxicoses. The toxins weaken the host plant, allowing the pathogen to invade successfully, with the efficiency varying from strain to strain and depending on the plant infected. Fusariumoxysporum predominantly produces moniliformin and cyclodepsipeptides, whereas F. proliferatum produces fumonisins. The aim of the study was to understand the role of various substrates and pea plant extracts in inducing the production of CWDEs and mycotoxins. Additionally, to monitor the differences in their levels when susceptible and resistant pea plant extracts were supplemented. The cultures of F. proliferatum and F. oxysporum strains were supplemented with various potential inducers of CWDEs. During the initial days after the addition of substrates, the fungus cocultivated with pea extracts and other carbon substrates showed increased activities of β-glucosidase, xylanase, exo-1,4-glucanase and lipase. The highest inhibition of mycelium growth (57%) was found in the cultures of F. proliferatum strain PEA1 upon the addition of cv. Sokolik extract. The lowest fumonisin content was exhibited by the cultures with the pea extracts and oat bran added, and this can be related to the secondary metabolites and antioxidants present in these substrates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Resistance Induced by Microorganisms and Pathogens)
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26 pages, 7100 KiB  
Article
Investigation of Streptomyces scabies Causing Potato Scab by Various Detection Techniques, Its Pathogenicity and Determination of Host-Disease Resistance in Potato Germplasm
by Sohaib Ismail, Bo Jiang, Zohreh Nasimi, M. Inam-ul-Haq, Naoki Yamamoto, Andrews Danso Ofori, Nawab Khan, Muhammad Arshad, Kumail Abbas and Aiping Zheng
Pathogens 2020, 9(9), 760; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens9090760 - 17 Sep 2020
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 6820
Abstract
Streptomyces scabies is a Gram-positive bacterial pathogen that causes common scab disease to several crops, particularly in the potato. It is a soil borne pathogen, a very devastating scab pathogen and difficult to manage in the field. Streptomyces has several species that cause [...] Read more.
Streptomyces scabies is a Gram-positive bacterial pathogen that causes common scab disease to several crops, particularly in the potato. It is a soil borne pathogen, a very devastating scab pathogen and difficult to manage in the field. Streptomyces has several species that cause common scab such as S. scabiei, S. acidiscabies, S. europaeiscabiei, S. luridiscabiei, S. niveiscabiei, S. puniciscabiei, S. reticuliscabiei, S. stelliscabiei, S. turgidiscabies, S. ipomoeae. Common scab disease harmfully affects potato economic and market value due to the presence of black spots on the tuber. Owing to its genetic diversity and pathogenicity, the determination of pathogen presence in potato fields is still challenging. In this study, S. scabies genetic diversity was measured by surveying five potato-growing areas of Pakistan during the growing season 2019. A total of 50 Streptomyces isolates, including S. scabies, S. acidiscabies, S. griseoflavus were isolated and identified based on morphologic, biochemical and molecular analysis. Virulent confirmation assays confirmed ten virulent strains of Streptomyces spp. On the potato cultivars Cardinal and Santee. Among the Streptomyces species, S. scabies showed the highest scab index, followed by S. acidiscabies and S. griseoflavus by exhibiting the scab-like lesions on potato tubers. Ten potato cultivars were screened against these virulent isolates of Streptomyces. The Faisalabad white variety showed the highest scab index followed By Cardinal, Tourag, Kuroda, Santee, Lady Rosetta, Asterix, Diamant, Faisalabad red and Sadaf. Moreover, genetic diversity and pathogenicity of Streptomyces spp. on potato tubers were also likely diverse in different geographical regions and also potato cultivars. This study represents a contribution to understanding the local interaction between potatoes and Streptomyces spp. in Pakistan. It will aid in supporting a solution for the management of this pathogen around the world. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Resistance Induced by Microorganisms and Pathogens)
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16 pages, 4821 KiB  
Article
Histochemical and Microscopic Studies Predict that Grapevine Genotype “Ju mei gui” is Highly Resistant against Botrytis cinerea
by Mati Ur Rahman, Qingqing Ma, Bilal Ahmad, Muhammad Hanif and Youlin Zhang
Pathogens 2020, 9(4), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens9040253 - 31 Mar 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3289
Abstract
The necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea causes devastating pre- and post-harvest yield losses in grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.). Although B. cinerea has been well-studied in different plant species, there is limited information related to the resistance and susceptibility mechanisms of Vitis genotypes against [...] Read more.
The necrotrophic fungus Botrytis cinerea causes devastating pre- and post-harvest yield losses in grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.). Although B. cinerea has been well-studied in different plant species, there is limited information related to the resistance and susceptibility mechanisms of Vitis genotypes against B. cinerea infection. In the present study, leaves and berries of twenty four grape genotypes were evaluated against B. cinerea infection. According to the results, one genotype (Ju mei gui) was highly resistant (HR), one genotype (Kyoho) was resistant (R), eight genotypes were susceptible (S), and fourteen genotypes were highly susceptible (HS) against infection of B. cinerea in leaves. Whereas in the case of B. cinerea infection in grape berry, three genotypes were found to be highly resistant, three resistant, eleven genotypes susceptible, and seven were highly susceptible. To further explore the mechanism of disease resistance in grapevine, we evaluated “Ju mei gui” and “Summer black” in terms of B. cinerea progression, reactive oxygen species reactions, jasmonic acid contents, and the activities of antioxidant enzymes in leaf and fruit. We surmise that the resistance of “Ju mei gui” is due to seized fungal growth, minor reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, elevated antioxidant enzyme activity, and more jasmonic acid (JA) contents. This study provides insights into the resistance and susceptibility mechanism of Vitis genotypes against B. cinerea. This will help for the selection of appropriate germplasm to explore the molecular basis of disease resistance mechanisms in grapevine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Resistance Induced by Microorganisms and Pathogens)
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13 pages, 2299 KiB  
Article
Putative Role of a Yet Uncharacterized Protein Elicitor PeBb1 Derived from Beauveria bassiana ARSEF 2860 Strain against Myzus persicae (Homoptera: Aphididae) in Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis
by Talha Nazir, Abdul Hanan, Abdul Basit, Muhammad Zeeshan Majeed, Tauqir Anwar, Iqra Nawaz and Dewen Qiu
Pathogens 2020, 9(2), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens9020111 - 11 Feb 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3318
Abstract
This study reports the characterization of protein elicitor PeBb1 derived from entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana ARSEF-2860 strain and its putative role in induced systemic resistance in Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis against green peach aphid Myzus persicae. The sequence of purified elicitor protein [...] Read more.
This study reports the characterization of protein elicitor PeBb1 derived from entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana ARSEF-2860 strain and its putative role in induced systemic resistance in Brassica rapa ssp. pekinensis against green peach aphid Myzus persicae. The sequence of purified elicitor protein was matched with the genomic sequence of a hypothetical protein BBA_10269 from B. bassiana ARSEF-2860 (GenBank Accession No. XP_008603588.1). The protein-encoding gene PeBb1 contained 534 bp cDNA encoding a polypeptide of 177 amino acids with a molecular mass of 19 kDa. The recombinant elicitor protein was expressed in Escherichia coli using pET-28a (+) expression vector and induced necrosis in the leaves of tobacco. The effects of elicitor protein on aphid M. persicae was determined by applying three different concentrations of PeBb1 (i.e., 26, 35, 53 μM) on B. rapa plants at 4-leaf stage and the treated plants were exposed to newly emerged (0–6 h old) apterous adult aphids. Bioassay results showed significant (p < 0.05) sub-lethal effects of the exogenous application of PeBb1 elicitor on M. persicae. Moreover, the RT-qPCR gene expression analyses showed a significant up-regulation of most of the key genes linked to ethylene (ET)- and jasmonic acid (JA)-associated plant defense pathways in elicitor-treated plants. These results not only recommend the putative utilization of PeBb1 elicitor protein in future biological pest control strategies against phloem-feeding insect pests such as M. persicae, but also help in better comprehension of the mechanisms through which beneficial fungi trigger the induced plant resistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Resistance Induced by Microorganisms and Pathogens)
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16 pages, 4851 KiB  
Article
Functional Analysis of MaWRKY24 in Transcriptional Activation of Autophagy-Related Gene 8f/g and Plant Disease Susceptibility to Soil-Borne Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense
by Guoyin Liu, Hongqiu Zeng, Xiang Li, Yunxie Wei and Haitao Shi
Pathogens 2019, 8(4), 264; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens8040264 - 25 Nov 2019
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3607
Abstract
WRKYs play important roles in plant development and stress responses. Although MaWRKYs have been comprehensively identified in the banana (Musa acuminata), their in vivo roles and direct targets remain elusive. In this study, a transcript profile analysis indicated the common regulation [...] Read more.
WRKYs play important roles in plant development and stress responses. Although MaWRKYs have been comprehensively identified in the banana (Musa acuminata), their in vivo roles and direct targets remain elusive. In this study, a transcript profile analysis indicated the common regulation of MaWRKYs transcripts in response to fungal pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc). Among these MaWRKYs, MaWRKY24 was chosen for further analysis due to its higher expression in response to Foc. The specific nucleus subcellular location and transcription activated activity on W-box indicated that MaWRKY24 was a transcription factor. The correlation analysis of gene expression indicated that MaWRKYs were closely related to autophagy-associated genes (MaATG8s). Further analysis showed that MaWRKY24 directly regulated the transcriptional level of MaATG8f/g through binding to W-box in their promoters, as evidenced by quantitative real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), dual luciferase assay, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay. In addition, overexpression of MaWRKY24 and MaATG8f/g resulted in disease susceptibility to Foc, which might be related to the activation of autophagic activity. This study highlights the positive regulation of MaWRKY24 in transcriptional activation of autophagy-related gene 8f/g in the banana and their common roles in disease susceptibility to soil-borne Foc, indicating the effects of MaWRKY24 on autophagy and disease susceptibility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Resistance Induced by Microorganisms and Pathogens)
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