A lectin-like wheat gene responds systemically to attempted feeding by avirulent first-instar Hessian fly larvae.

Abstract

Through gene-for-gene interactions, wheat plants respond to specific biotypes of Hessian fly upon the initiation of first-instar larval feeding. Leaves of plants containing the H9 resistance gene responded to avirulent biotype L. larvae with rapid changes in the levels of several mRNA transcripts and initiation of an incompatible interaction. A low-copy gene, Hfr-1 (Hessian fly-response gene 1), responded with increased mRNA levels for two days before returning to preinfestation levels by day five. Hfr-1 mRNA was constitutively expressed in uninfested control plants as well as in plants infested with virulent larvae. The cDNA sequence was similar to a maize gene encoding a beta-glucosidase aggregating factor (BGAF), to jacalin-like mannose-binding lectins, and to several plant genes that respond to microbial infections. The potential roles of Hfr-1 in defending wheat against Hessian fly damage are discussed.

• Authors: Christie E Williams, Chad C Collier, Jill A Nemacheck, Chengzhi Liang, Sue E Cambron
• Journal: Journal of chemical ecology (J Chem Ecol) Vol. 28 Issue 7 Pg. 1411-28 (Jul 2002) ISSN: 0098-0331 [Print] United States
• PMID: 12199504 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Lectins
• RNA, Messenger

Topics

• Adaptation, Physiological
• Amino Acid Sequence
• Animals
• Base Sequence
• Diptera
• Gene Expression Regulation
• Larva
• Lectins (biosynthesis, genetics, pharmacology)
• Molecular Sequence Data
• Plants, Edible (chemistry)
• RNA, Messenger (analysis)
• Transcription, Genetic
• Triticum (genetics, physiology)