Risk versus reward: host dependent parasite mortality rates and phenotypes in the facultative generalist Triphysaria versicolor.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Parasitic plants engage in a complex molecular dialog with potential host plants to identify a host and overcome host defenses to initiate development of the parasitic feeding organ, the haustorium, invade host tissues, and withdraw water and nutrients. While one of two critical signaling events in the parasitic plant life cycle (germination via stimulant chemicals) has been relatively well-studied, the signaling event that triggers haustorium formation remains elusive. Elucidation of this poorly understood molecular dialogue will shed light on plant-plant communication, parasitic plant physiology, and the evolution of parasitism in plants.

Results

Here we present an experimental framework that develops easily quantifiable contrasts for the facultative generalist

SUBMITTER: Honaas LA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6669981 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature