TITLE:
Detection and Adaptation in Parasitic Angiosperm Host Selection
AUTHORS:
Lizhi Liang, Yue Liu, Jenil Jariwala, David G. Lynn, Andrew G. Palmer
KEYWORDS:
Parasitic Plants, Semagenesis, Parasitic Evolution, Xenognosis, Host Detection, Quorum Sensing
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Plant Sciences,
Vol.7 No.8,
June
22,
2016
ABSTRACT: Developmental transitions in some parasitic angiosperms are tied directly
to host-derived chemical cues (xenognosins).
The obligate hemi-parasite Striga asiatica, initiates the root apical meristem
population (germination), development of the host attachment organ (the haustorium),
and shoot apical meristem initiation (seed coat shedding) in response to specific
xengonosins. These checkpoints synchronize spatial and temporal tissue development.
We have now exploited the external control over these developmental transitions
to trace functional expression in haustorial organogenesis. Genes associated with
phytohormone regulation, metabolism, vascular tissue development, and reactive oxygen
species (ROS) production identified in this study suggest an elaborate and global
response closely tied to plant defense and redox chemistry that may also be components
of a more general quorum sensing-type mechanism in plants.