Systemic acquired resistance networks amplify airborne defense cues

Nat Commun. 2019 Aug 23;10(1):3813. doi: 10.1038/s41467-019-11798-2.

Abstract

Salicylic acid (SA)-mediated innate immune responses are activated in plants perceiving volatile monoterpenes. Here, we show that monoterpene-associated responses are propagated in feed-forward loops involving the systemic acquired resistance (SAR) signaling components pipecolic acid, glycerol-3-phosphate, and LEGUME LECTIN-LIKE PROTEIN1 (LLP1). In this cascade, LLP1 forms a key regulatory unit in both within-plant and between-plant propagation of immunity. The data integrate molecular components of SAR into systemic signaling networks that are separate from conventional, SA-associated innate immune mechanisms. These networks are central to plant-to-plant propagation of immunity, potentially raising SAR to the population level. In this process, monoterpenes act as microbe-inducible plant volatiles, which as part of plant-derived volatile blends have the potential to promote the generation of a wave of innate immune signaling within canopies or plant stands. Hence, plant-to-plant propagation of SAR holds significant potential to fortify future durable crop protection strategies following a single volatile trigger.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Arabidopsis / immunology*
  • Arabidopsis / metabolism
  • Arabidopsis Proteins / genetics
  • Arabidopsis Proteins / metabolism*
  • Disease Resistance / immunology*
  • Feedback, Physiological
  • Glycerophosphates / immunology
  • Glycerophosphates / metabolism
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions / immunology
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Monoterpenes / immunology
  • Monoterpenes / metabolism
  • Pipecolic Acids / immunology
  • Pipecolic Acids / metabolism
  • Plant Diseases / immunology*
  • Plant Diseases / microbiology
  • Plant Lectins / genetics
  • Plant Lectins / metabolism*
  • Plants, Genetically Modified
  • Pseudomonas syringae / immunology
  • Salicylic Acid / immunology
  • Salicylic Acid / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / immunology
  • Volatile Organic Compounds / immunology
  • Volatile Organic Compounds / metabolism*

Substances

  • AT5G03350 protein, Arabidopsis
  • Arabidopsis Proteins
  • Glycerophosphates
  • Monoterpenes
  • Pipecolic Acids
  • Plant Lectins
  • Volatile Organic Compounds
  • pipecolic acid
  • Salicylic Acid