Induced resistance in wheat

Colonization of plant roots by beneficial microbes does not only inhibit the growth of pathogens, but also induces systemic resistance (ISR) in the plant, hence confers protection on leaves. Only little is known about rhizobacteria-induction of resistance in wheat, in particular about the genetic basis governing this phenomenon. With the aim to study the induction of systemic resistance in wheat, strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens known to be colonizers of roots will be tested for their capacity to induce systemic defense against leaf rust disease caused by Puccinia triticina. The wheat cultivars used in this study are a highly susceptible (Arina) and an intermediate resistant one (Forno). We will also compare the trasncriptomic changes occuring in such protected plants with un-induced control plants in order to postulate the defense pathway induced by ISR. Finally, ISR will be observed in the field.