Hormone-regulated defense and stress response networks contribute to heterosis in Arabidopsis F1 hybrids.

ABSTRACT: Plant hybrids are extensively used in agriculture to deliver increases in yields, yet the molecular basis of their superior performance (heterosis) is not well understood. Our transcriptome analysis of a number of Arabidopsis F1 hybrids identified changes to defense and stress response gene expression consistent with a reduction in basal defense levels. Given the reported antagonism between plant immunity and growth, we suggest that these altered patterns of expression contribute to the greater growth of the hybrids. The altered patterns of expression in the hybrids indicate decreases to the salicylic acid (SA) biosynthesis pathway and increases in the auxin [indole-3-acetic acid (IAA)] biosynthesis pathway. SA and IAA are hormones known to control stress and defense responses as well as p

SUBMITTER: Groszmann M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4655576 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature