Application of antimicrobial peptides to control leaf rust (Puccinia triticina) infection in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
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Date
2024
Authors
Panthi, Urbashi
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Arts and Science
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Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Dept. of Biological Sciences
Abstract
Screening and developing novel antifungal agents with minimal environmental impact are needed to maintain and increase crop production constantly threatened by various pathogens. Small peptides with antimicrobial and antifungal activities have been known to play an important role in plant defense both at the pathogen level by suppressing its growth and proliferation as well as at the host’s level through activation or priming of the plant’s immune system for faster, more robust response against fungi. Rust fungi (Pucciniales) are plant pathogens that can infect key crops, threaten global food security and are capable of overcoming the resistance genes introduced in elite wheat cultivars. We performed an in vitro screening of 19 peptides predominantly of plant origin with antifungal or antimicrobial activity for their ability to inhibit leaf rust (Puccinia triticina, CCDS isolate) urediniospores germination. Nine peptides demonstrated significant fungicidal properties compared to the control. Foliar application of the top three candidates, β-purothionin, Purothionin-α2 and Defensin-2, decreased the severity of the leaf rust infection in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings. Additionally, increased pathogen resistance was paralleled by elevated expression of the defense-related genes.
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Keywords
wheat , Triticum aestivum L. , leaf rust , Puccinia triticina , antifungal peptides