A Na₂CO₃-Responsive Chitinase Gene From Leymus chinensis Improve Pathogen Resistance and Saline-Alkali Stress Tolerance in Transgenic Tobacco and Maize.

ABSTRACT: Salinity and microbial pathogens are the major limiting factors for crop production. Although the manipulation of many genes could improve plant performance under either of these stresses, few genes have reported that could improve both pathogen resistance and saline-alkali stress tolerance. In this study, we identified a new chitinase gene CHITINASE 2 (LcCHI2) that encodes a class II chitinase from Leymus chinensis, which grows naturally on alkaline-sodic soil. Overexpression of LcCHI2 increased chitinase activity in transgenic plants. The transgenic tobacco and maize exhibited improved pathogen resistance and enhanced both neutral salt and alkaline salt stress tolerance. Overexpression of LcCHI2 reduced sodium (Na⁺) accumulation, malondialdeh

SUBMITTER: Liu X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7198794 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature