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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Crop Bioprotection Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #267956
Title: Maize utilizes multiple resistance genes to defend itself during germination

Author
item Johnson, Eric
item Dowd, Patrick
item Liu, Zonglin
item RICHARD, MUSSER - Western Illinois University

Submitted to: American Society of Plant Biologists Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/24/2011
Publication Date: 5/24/2011
Citation: Johnson, E.T., Dowd, P.F., Liu, Z., Richard, M.O. 2011. Maize utilizes multiple resistance genes to defend itself during germination [abstract]. American Society of Plant Biologists. p. 84.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: During seed germination, the plantlet faces an environment rich in predators. Presumably plants have developed a number of molecular mechanisms to ensure survival. Comparative transcription analysis using maize microarrays identified a number of potential defensive genes that were more highly expressed in the seedlings (stage VE) than V4 or V6 shoots. In addition to higher levels of the genes responsible for the biosynthesis of an anti-insectan secondary metabolite, the seedlings also expressed genes for the following putative defensive proteins: defensin, hydroxyproline and proline rich protein, lipase, thaumatin-like protein, cystatin, protease inhibitor, and a variety of proteases. The potential resistance genes identified occurred mainly on chromosomes 1 and 5 into B73 genome. These results indicate that maize likely utilizes a variety of resistance mechanisms in seedlings to resist insect herbivory. Further examination of these genes could potentially identify novel resistance mechanisms that could be utilized in mature corn tissues to resist insect pests.