PROTECT CROP · Cell wall-plasmalemma-cytoskeleton as a sensor in cold-induced plant resistance to fungal infection
FP7 — People (Marie Curie Actions)
- Duration
- 2008-01-01 → 2010-12-31
- EU contribution
- €45,000
- Participants
- 1
- Scheme
- MC-ERG
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Results in brief
Periodic Report Summary - PROTECT CROP (Cell wall-plasmalemma-cytoskeleton as a sensor in cold-induced plant resistance to fungal infection)
Microdochium nivale (Fr.) Samuels and Hallett, is the most widespread snow mould fungus caused loses reaching over 50-90 % of autumn sawn cereals and grasses. The PROTECT-CROP project focused on the mechanisms of cold-induced plant resistance against M. nivale fungal pathogen followed by their practical application in healthy and environmentally friendly methods of plant protection. The mechanisms of cold induced plant resistance to M. nivale were partly dissected during our work: (1) Prolonged (0 - 98 days) cold hardening linearly triticale resistance to infection with M. nivale; however, threshold stress-levels should be accomplish to effective plant survival after infection. The level of achieved of cold-induced resistance is strongly dependent on plant genotype and virulence of M. nivale pathotypes. (2) Cold episodes are physiologically 'memorised' in plants and cold-induced resistance is kept at least during 3-4 weeks of dehardening weather. Plants during dehardening develop passive defense e.g. build more compact cell wall. (3) Two types of plant resistance are suggested: resistance to the establishment of the initial infection and resistance to hyphal invasion through the plant tissue. The cell wall physical-chemical state (structure, composition, stability) and physiological state (e.g. generation of reactive oxygen species by cell wall enzymes) brought by exposure to cold determined the resistance of both types. (4) Plasmalemma is the sensor in cold induced resistance. Its dynamic and composition changed with the cold treatment, and specific membrane proteins are important to absorption of fungal-originated substances. (5) Effective photosynthesis is the key regulator of the switch between two signalling processes: acclimation to cold and acquired resistance to pathogens. Results showed, that photosynthesis under non-optimal conditions (low temperature and suboptimal light conditions) caused excess excitation energy followed by reactive oxygen species accumulation. They restrict development of pathogens; however, simultaneously reactive species oxidize the plant membrane components and are origin of fotoinhibiton. Therefore, we confirmed, that survival of triticale resistant varieties under cold and infection results mainly from balanced photosynthesis. Our results are interesting not only for biologists, but also for industrial partners involved in plant breeding, evaluation of crop and seed quality, food quality and environment protection. Cold-induced resistance to M. nivale supported by the mechanism partly recognised during our work can be effectively transferred to new lines obtained from the crossing of the susceptible and the resistant varieties: 3,2 % of doubled haploid lines from such cross had lower survival capability to susceptible variety, 63,2 % lines did not differ from the resistant variety and 33,6 % lines out-crossed the better parent and fully regenerated after infection.
Data: CORDIS, © European Union
Project objective
Microdochium nivale is the most widespread snow mould fungus, especially in cold and temperate zones. M. nivale causes serious damage to its hosts under a snow cover, however it is also dangerous under chilling temperatures and high humidity conditions. Climate changes of northern hemisphere: relatively warm autumn (lack of proper cold hardening) followed by cold and wet winters without a snow cover can promote severity of M. nivale caused deceases and became reason of great losses. PROTECT CROP project bases on research in host Institute concerning selection of triticale lines resistant to M. nivale and the observation that exposure of seedlings to cold promotes their resistance to fungal infection. The project is innovative regarding the role of cell wall-plasmalemma-cytoskeleton interactions as a sensor of cold-hardening. The main research objectives in PROTECT CROP are (1) To determine the type, extent and duration of resistance response to pathogens induced in plants by cold (2) To analyse the role of cell wall-plasmalemma-cytoskeleton in promoting the resistance and dissection of the early signaling events in resistant and non-resistant plants (3) To understanding of the pathogen-host interaction and cold-induced-resistance mechanisms during fungus attack. Multidisciplinary approach (physiology, cell biology, biophysics, biochemistry, combined with genetic analysis) will be used to investigations. Understanding resistance mechanisms will help to plant improvement and their best use for sustainable land and developing new methods of plant protection. Consequently, it can raise the quality and quantity of European agriculture produce, with benefits for human health and the environment. PROTECT CROP arises from research interest of Fellow in topic of the plant resistance mechanisms to pathogens and skills acquired during previous fellowship. PROTECT CROP will enrich the Fellow with new knowledge and experiences and will raise her job prospects.
Original text from CORDIS.
Participants
- POLISH ACADEMY OF SCIENCES THE FRANCISZEK GORSKI INSTITUTE OF PLANT PHYSIOLOGY · CRACOWCoordinatorCity levelPoland
Links
Data: CORDIS, © European Union