Bouncing genomes, banana transcriptomes and a-maizing gradients all help protect against disease and predation
08 Feb 2013
1. Bouncing out the rubber tree genome
What makes a rubber tree produce rubber? The answer to this and other questions has now been answered by the sequencing of Hevea brasiliensis. Genes responsible for rubber biosynthesis, rubberwood formation, disease resistance, and allergenicity have been identified which will be a starting point for producing trees with a high crop yield and improved resistance to pests and disease.
BMC Genomics 2013, 14:75 doi:10.1186/1471-2164-14-75
2. Going bananas over parasites
Transcriptome analysis of the banana Musa acuminata has identified genes involved in resistance to the fungus Mycosphaerella musicola, which causes Sigatoka leaf spot disease. 95 defense-related genes were found which could be used as a starting point for research into improving banana resistance to disease.
BMC Genomics 2013, 14:78 doi:10.1186/1471-2164-14-78
3. A-Maizing defense gradients protect against herbivores
In response to predation by herbivores maize produces sesquiterpene at the wound, and in a gradient tailing away throughout the rest of damaged leaves. It is thought that this gradient may help herbivore enemies find their prey.
BMC Plant Biology 2013, 13:15 doi:10.1186/1471-2229-13-15
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