Author
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SHABALA, S - University Of Tasmania |
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Nemchinov, Lev |
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Submitted to: Planta
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 6/20/2010 Publication Date: 7/10/2010 Citation: Shabala, S.N., Nemchinov, L.G. 2010. Microelectrode non-invasive potassium flux measurements as a potential tool for early recognition of plant virus-host compatibility. Planta. 232(4):807-815. Interpretive Summary: Economic losses due to plant viruses can reach large proportions in major farming crops. Knowing whether plants can be infected with a particular virus or not may determine and shape all complex measures associated with production of the crops, such as their introduction, subsequent management and the ultimate yield. In this study we developed a quick test to evaluate potential plant/virus compatibility, which can be a valuable tool both in practical field virology and in the study of molecular interactions between plants and their pathogens. We expect that results of this work will be of interest to the wide spectrum of plant researchers in academia and government organizations as well as to representatives of industry. Technical Abstract: Understanding mechanisms of virus-host compatibility and its early recognition is of significant economic importance. Net Ca2+ and K+ fluxes were measured from mesophyll tissue of host (potato, tomato, tobacco) and non-host (sugar beet and periwinkle) plants in response to infection with Potato virus X. We show that Ca2+ fluxes across plasma membrane were not essential to recognition of the early stages of infection. Instead, we observed substantial changes in K+ fluxes as soon as 3 hrs after inoculation. Host specificity in K+ flux responses suggests that MIFE technique can be used as a tool for early diagnostics of virus-host compatibility. |
