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

59 Citations (Scopus)

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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