Abstract Detail

Life after Arabidopsis thaliana: Using non-model organisms to understand species interactions

Louis, Joe [1], Mondal, Hossain [2], Lorenc-Kukula, Katarzyna [2], Shah, Jyoti [2].

Knowledge gained from Arabidopsis-aphid interactions: How can we link to other plant-insect systems?

Arabidopsis thaliana has been used as a model plant to understand the molecular and biochemical aspects of plant-insect interactions. The compatible interaction between green peach aphid (GPA; Myzus persicae) and Arabidopsis enabled us to characterize the plant response to aphids. Aphids are phloem-feeders that feed on a variety of plants causing extensive damage. We had previously identified Arabidopsis PHYTOALEXIN DEFICIENT4 (PAD4) and MPL1 (MYZUS PERSICAE INDUCED LIPASE1) genes as critical components of Arabidopsis defense against GPA. Arabidopsis PAD4 is an important modulator of antixenosis (feeding deterrence) and antibiosis (affect aphid fecundity) against GPA. However, unlike PAD4, MPL1 is not required for antixenosis. Petiole exudates of the pad4 and mpl1 mutants lack an antibiosis factor that is present in similar exudates of wild type plants. Both PAD4 and MPL1 exhibits homology to lipases and recombinant MPL1 has lipase activity, suggesting that a lipid or lipid-derived product is involved in regulating Arabidopsis defense against GPA. Both PAD4 and MPL1 homologues exist in tomato, suggesting that the fundamental knowledge we gained through basic research can be translated into applied research, by modifying certain plant traits and making them more resistant to insect pests.

1 - University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Entomology, 103 Entomology Hall, PO Box 830816, Lincoln, NE, 68583, United States
2 - University of North Texas

Keywords:
Arabidopsis
Aphids.

Presentation Type: Symposium or Colloquium Presentation
Session: SY10
Location: Pines North/Boise Centre
Date: Wednesday, July 30th, 2014
Time: 3:45 PM
Number: SY10006
Abstract ID:523
Candidate for Awards:None