Pathogen-derived nitric oxide influences formation of the appressorium infection structure in the phytopathogenic fungus Blumeria graminis

Elena Prats, Timothy L. W. Carver, Luis A. J. Mur

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important signal in plant resistance to pathogens. Here we report that NO is also generated by Blumeria graminis f.sp. hordei as a pathogenesis determinant on barley. Infection by B. graminis f.sp. hordei is dependent on appressorium formation in order to penetrate the host. Using fluorescent dye diaminofluorescein-2 diacetate (DAF-2DA) and confocal laser scanning microscopy, transient NO generation was detected within the B. graminis f.sp. hordei appressorium during its maturation. To confirm that NO was indeed being measured, DAF-2DA fluorescence was suppressed using a NO scavenger and a mammalian NO synthase inhibitor. Both chemicals affected the number of appressorial lobes produced by the fungus. These data indicate that NO plays a key role in formation of B. graminis f.sp. hordei appressoria.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)476-480
Number of pages5
JournalResearch in Microbiology
Volume159
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 13 Apr 2008

Keywords

  • Blumeria graminis
  • Barley
  • Nitric oxide
  • Pathogenesis
  • Powdery mildew
  • Appressorium

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