Unraveling the role of maize (Zea mays L.) cell-wall phenylpropanoids in stem-borer resistance. (May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gesteiro, Noemi; Butrón, Ana; Estévez, Sara; Santiago, Rogelio
• Is Part Of: Phytochemistry. Volume 185(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-05
• Subjects: Zea mays (Poaceae) -- Sesamia nonagrioides (Noctuidae) -- Plant resistance -- Hydroxycinnamates -- Lignin -- Cell wall-bound p-coumaric acid; Botanical chemistry -- Periodicals; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; Botany -- Periodicals; Chimie végétale -- Périodiques; 572.2
• DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2021.112683
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0031-9422

Abstract

Abstract: The cell wall putatively plays a role in host-plant resistance to phytopathogens. Here, we investigated which cell wall-bound phenolic compounds have determining roles in maize ( Zea mays ) resistance to attack by the Mediterranean corn borer Sesamia nonagrioides (Lefèbvre). Diverse sets of maize genotypes having contrasting hydroxycinnamate contents and borer resistance levels were evaluated. The interdependent relationships among some cell wall-bound phenolic compounds, such as ferulic acid and its dimers, or p -coumaric acid and syringyl lignin subunits, were analyzed. Both p -coumaric acid and syringyl momoners showed significant negative correlations with damage, as assessed by tunnel lengths, caused by S. nonagrioides larvae. Thus, the use of cell wall-bound p -coumaric acid in pest-resistant crop breeding programs is advisable. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Advanced study on the relationships among hydroxycinnamates, lignin and resistance to stem borers. A lack of association between diferulates and resistance in the current materials. p- coumarate contributes indirectly to borer resistance through its association with lignin S subunits. Lignin content as well as lignin composition could be relevant for resistance. Focusing on p- coumarate content is recommended in future borer-resistance breeding programs.