Ethylene Response Factor (ERF) genes modulate plant root exudate composition and the attraction of plant parasitic nematodes. Issue 13 (December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dyer, Steven; Weir, Ryan; Cox, Deborah; Cheseto, Xavier; Torto, Baldwyn; Dalzell, Johnathan J.
• Is Part Of: International journal for parasitology. Volume 49:Issue 13/14(2019)
• Page Start: 999
• Page End: 1003
• Publication Date: 2019-12
• Subjects: Meloidogyne incognita -- Meloidogyne javanica -- Globodera pallida -- Bacillus subtilis -- Agrobacterium tumefaciens -- VIGS -- Host finding -- Tomato; Parasitology -- Periodicals; Parasitology -- Periodicals; Parasitologie -- Périodiques; Parasitology; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 571.999
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2019.09.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7519

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: ERF-E2 knockdown enhances the attraction of Meloidogyne incognita and Globodera pallida to tomato root exudates. ERF-E2 knockdown has no impact on the attraction of Meloidogyne javanica, Bacillus subtilis or Agrobacterium tumefaciens. ERF-E3 knockdown has no impact on the attraction of plant parasitic nematodes or microbes. GC–MS analysis of experimentally manipulated root exudates reveals major changes in composition following gene knockdown [ ERF genes represent viable targets for the modification of root exudate composition, and parasite interactions. Abstract: Plant root exudates are compositionally diverse, plastic and adaptive. Ethylene signalling influences the attraction of plant parasitic nematodes, presumably through the modulation of root exudate composition. Understanding this pathway could lead to new sources of crop parasite resistance. Here we used Virus-Induced Gene Silencing to knock down the expression of two Ethylene Response Factor ( ERF ) genes, ERF-E2 and ERF-E3, in tomato. Root exudates were significantly more attractive to the PPNs Meloidogyne incognita and Globodera pallida following knockdown of ERF-E2, which had no impact on the attraction of Meloidogyne javanica . Knockdown of ERF-E3 had no impact on the attraction of Meloidogyne or Globodera spp. Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry analysis revealed major changes in root exudate composition relative to controls. However, these changes did not alter the attraction of rhizosphere microbes Bacillus subtilis or Agrobacterium tumefaciens. This study further supports the potential of engineering plant root exudate for parasite control, through the modulation of plant genes.