Overexpression of VqWRKY31 enhances powdery mildew resistance in grapevine by promoting salicylic acid signaling and specific metabolite synthesis.

ABSTRACT: Powdery mildew (PM), caused by the fungal pathogen Erysiphe necator, is one of the most destructive diseases of grapevine (Vitis vinifera and other Vitis spp). Resistance to PM is an important goal for cultivar improvement, and understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms conditioning resistance is critical. Here, we report that transgenic expression of the WRKY transcription factor gene VqWRKY31 from the PM-resistant species Vitis quinquangularis conferred resistance to powdery mildew in V. vinifera through promoting salicylic acid signaling and specific metabolite synthesis. VqWRKY31 belongs to the WRKY IIb subfamily, and expression of the VqWRKY31 gene was induced in response to E. necator inoculation. Transgenic V. vinifera plants expressing VqWRKY31 were substantially less suscep

SUBMITTER: Yin W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8944305 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature