The Role of the <i>GSTF11</i> Gene in Resistance to Powdery Mildew Infection and Cold Stress
2021
Elena Mikhaylova | Emil Khusnutdinov | Michael Yu Shein | Valentin Yu Alekseev | Yuri Nikonorov | Bulat Kuluev
Oilseed rape (<i>Brassica napus</i>) is an economically important crop. In a temperate climate, powdery mildew <i>Erysiphe crucifertaum</i> can drastically reduce its yield. Nevertheless, cultivars resistant to this fungal disease have not yet been selected. Glutathione S-transferase GSTF11 is involved in glucosinolate (GSL) biosynthesis and response to stress, including fungal deceases. However, the impact of exogenous <i>GSTF11</i> gene expression on resistance to powdery mildew has not yet been confirmed and requires further investigation. Transgenic <i>B. napus</i> was generated for this purpose. It demonstrated increased GST activity and a higher GSH:GSSG ratio under normal conditions. Powdery mildew <i>Erysiphe crucifertaum</i> caused 50% mortality in wild type (WT) plants. In most of transgenic plants, mycelium growth was inhibited. The infection contributed to higher <i>GSTF11</i> expression and increased levels of glutathione (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) in both transgenic and WT plants. In contrast, <i>GSTF11</i> mRNA content, GST activity and GSSG level were lower only in WT plants. In transgenic plants, increased resistance to powdery mildew correlated with a lower GSH:GSSG ratio, indicating a higher content of neutralized toxic molecules. <i>GSTF11</i> expression was also affected by cold stress, but not drought. At −1 °C, the expression level increased only in transgenic plants. Therefore, <i>GSTF11</i> appears to be nonspecific and is able to protect plants under several types of stress. This gene could be used as a target in the production of stress tolerant cultivars.
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