Investigation of the effect of nitrogen on severity of Fusarium head blight in barley

Application of Mass Spectrometry-Based Proteomics to Barley Research

Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is the fourth most cultivated crop in the world in terms of production volume, and it is also the most important raw material of the malting and brewing industries. Barley belongs to the grass (Poaceae) family and plays an important role in food security and food safety for both humans and livestock. With the global population set to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, but with less available and/or suitable land for agriculture, the use of biotechnology tools in breeding programs are of considerable importance in the quest to meet the growing food gap. Proteomics as a member of the "omics" technologies has become popular for the investigation of proteins in cereal crops and particularly barley and its related products such as malt and beer. This technology has been applied to study how proteins in barley respond to adverse environmental conditions including abiotic and/or biotic stresses, how they are impacted during food processing including malting and brewing, and the presence of proteins implicated in celiac disease. Moreover, proteomics can be used in the future to inform breeding programs that aim to enhance the nutritional value and broaden the application of this crop in new food and beverage products. Mass spectrometry analysis is a valuable tool that, along with genomics and transcriptomics, can inform plant breeding strategies that aim to produce superior barley varieties. In this review, recent studies employing both qualitative and quantitative mass spectrometry approaches are explored with a focus on their application in cultivation, manufacturing, processing, quality, and the safety of barley and its related products.

Transcriptomic Analysis of Wheat Seedling Responses to the Systemic Acquired Resistance Inducer N-Hydroxypipecolic Acid

The fungal pathogen Fusarium graminearum can cause destructive diseases on wheat, such as Fusarium head blight and Fusarium crown rot. However, a solution is still unavailable. Recently, N-hydroxypipecolic acid (NHP) was identified as a potent signaling molecule that is capable of inducing systemic acquired resistance to bacterial, oomycete, and fungal infection in several plant species. However, it is not clear whether NHP works in wheat to resist F. graminearum infection or how NHP affects wheat gene expression. In this report, we showed that pretreatment with NHP moderately increased wheat seedling resistance to F. graminearum. Using RNA sequencing, we found that 17% of wheat-expressed genes were significantly affected by NHP treatment. The genes encoding nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat immune receptors were significantly overrepresented in the group of genes upregulated by NHP treatment, while the genes encoding receptor-like kinases were not. Our results suggested that NHP treatment sensitizes a subset of the immune surveillance system in wheat seedlings, thereby facilitating wheat defense against F. graminearum infection.

Proteomics Reveals the Changes that Contribute to Fusarium Head Blight Resistance in Wheat

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a devastating disease of wheat, causing yield losses and quality reduction as a result of mycotoxin production. In this study, iTRAQ (isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification)-labeling-based mass spectrometry was employed to characterize the proteome in wheat cultivars Xinong 538 and Zhoumai 18 with contrasting levels of FHB resistance as a means to elucidate the molecular mechanisms contributing to FHB resistance. A total of 13,669 proteins were identified in the two cultivars 48 h after Fusarium graminearum inoculation. Among these, 2,505 unique proteins exclusively accumulated in Xinong 538 (resistant) and 887 proteins in Zhoumai 18 (susceptible). Gene Ontology enrichment analysis showed that most differentially accumulated proteins (DAPs) from both cultivars were assigned to the following categories: metabolic process, single-organism process, cellular process, and response to stimulus. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis showed that a greater number of proteins belonging to different metabolic pathways were identified in Xinong 538 compared with Zhoumai 18. Specifically, DAPs from the FHB-resistant cultivar Xinong 538 populated categories of metabolic pathways related to plant-pathogen interaction. These DAPs might play a critical role in defense responses exhibited by Xinong 538. DAPs from both genotypes were assigned to all wheat chromosomes except chromosome 6B, with approximately 30% mapping to wheat chromosomes 2B, 3B, 5B, and 5D. Twenty single nucleotide polymorphism markers, flanking DAPs on chromosomes 1B, 3B, 5B, and 6A, overlapped with the location of earlier mapped FHB-resistance quantitative trait loci. The data provide evidence for the involvement of several DAPs in the early stages of the FHB-resistance response in wheat; however, further functional characterization of candidate proteins is warranted.

Hydrogen peroxide regulates antioxidant responses and redox related proteins in drought stressed wheat seedlings

Hydrogen peroxide plays pivotal role as a potent regulator in signalling pathways when the plant is under stress. The current study appraised the potential of hydrogen peroxide through seed pre-treatment on the seedling growth and defense responses of three wheat cultivars i.e. PBW 644 (tolerant), PBW 621 and HD 2967 (sensitive) grown under drought stress. Imposition of drought stress reduced seedling growth of all the three wheat cultivars. Pre-treatment of seeds with 60 mM H₂O₂ alleviated water stress induced growth inhibition in all the three wheat cultivars. Further, it enhanced the drought tolerance of PBW 644 by upregulating SOD, POX, APX and GR enzymes accompanied by an increase in total phenols and ascorbate content. H₂O₂ treatment also protected the sensitive cultivars from drought stress by increasing CAT, POX, APX, MDHAR and GR enzymes. The contents of osmolytes were comparable or slightly higher as compared to stressed seedlings. The levels of MDA content were reduced in the treated seedlings of all the cultivars which further revealed the role of H₂O₂ pre-treatment in alleviating membrane damage. The comprehensive scrutiny of proteins differentially expressed in control, stressed and H₂O₂ primed stressed seedlings revealed that drought stress enhanced the expression of proteins involved in photosynthesis, protein biosynthesis and degradation, carbohydrate metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, nucleic acid metabolism, phytohormone response, defense and regulation, whereas H₂O₂ pre-treatment led to over expression of proteins which had functions in processes such as defense, redox homeostasis and photosynthesis.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version of this article (10.1007/s12298-021-00937-z).

Fusarium infection and trichothecenes in barley and its comparison with wheat

Barley is a small-grain cereal that can be infected by Fusarium spp. resulting in reduced quality and safety of harvested barley (products). Barley and other small-grain cereals are commonly studied together for Fusarium infection and related mycotoxin contamination, since the infection and its influencing factors are assumed to be the same for all small-grain cereals. Using relevant literature, this study reviewed Fusarium spp. infection and mycotoxin contamination, mainly T-2/HT-2 toxin and deoxynivalenol (DON), in barley specifically. For the first time, review results provide an extensive overview of the influencing factors for Fusarium infection and mycotoxin production in barley, such as weather, agricultural management and processing factors, and includes the comparison of these mechanisms in wheat. Results showed that Fusarium infection in barley is difficult to recognise in the field and mycotoxin levels cannot be estimated based on the symptoms. These factors make it difficult to establish the real severity of Fusarium infection in barley. In addition, most pre-harvest measures to mitigate initial Fusarium infection, such as cultivar use and soil cultivation, are the same for barley and wheat, but due to anatomical differences, some pre-harvest measures have a different effect on Fusarium infection in barley. For example, the effective moment (days after anthesis) of fungicide application in barley and wheat is different. Also, in wheat, there is an additional effect of multiple fungicide applications in reducing Fusarium Head Blight and DON concentrations, whereas in barley, no additional effect of multiple application is seen. Hence, care should be taken to use data from one small-grain cereal to draw conclusions on other small-grain cereals.

The effect of Fusarium culmorum infection and deoxynivalenol (DON) application on proteome response in barley cultivars Chevron and Pedant

Fusarium head blight (FHB) disease adversely affects grain quality and final yield in small-grain cereals including barley. In the present study, the effect of an artificial infection with Fusarium culmorum and an application of deoxynivalenol (DON) on barley spikes of cultivars Chevron and Pedant during flowering was investigated at grain mid-dough stage (BBCH 73) 10days after pathogen inoculation (10 dai). Proteomic analysis using a two-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) technique coupled with LC-MS/MS investigated 98 protein spots revealing quantitative or qualitative differences between the experimental variants. Protein functional annotation of 93 identified protein spots revealed that most affected functional groups represent storage proteins (globulins, hordeins), followed by proteins involved in carbohydrate metabolism (α-amylase inhibitor, β-amylase, glycolytic enzymes), amino acid metabolism (aminotransferases), defence response (chitinase, xylanase inhibitor, serpins, SGT1, universal stress protein USP), protein folding (chaperones, chaperonins), redox metabolism (ascorbate-glutathione cycle), and proteasome-dependent protein degradation. The obtained results indicate adverse effects of infection on plant proteome as well as an active plant response to pathogen as shown by enhanced levels of several inhibitors of pathogen-produced degradation enzymes (α-amylase inhibitor, xylanase inhibitor, serpins), chaperones, and other stress-related proteins (SGT1, USP). Genotypic differences were found in hordein abundance between Chevron and Pedant.

Climate change impacts on the ecology of Fusarium graminearum species complex and susceptibility of wheat to Fusarium head blight: a review

Fusarium head blight (FHB) of wheat, caused mainly by a few members of the Fusarium graminearum species complex (FGSC), is a major threat to agricultural grain production, food safety, and animal health. The severity of disease epidemics and accumulation of associated trichothecene mycotoxins in wheat kernels is strongly driven by meteorological factors. The potential impacts of change in climate are reviewed from the perspective of the FGSC life cycle and host resistance mechanisms influenced by abiotic pressures at the ecological, physiological and molecular level. Alterations in climate patterns and cropping systems may affect the distribution, composition and load of FGSC inoculum, but quantitative information is lacking regarding the differential responses among FGSC members. In general, the coincidence of wet and warm environment during flowering enhances the risk of FHB epidemics, but the magnitude and direction of the change in FHB and mycotoxin risk will be a consequence of a multitude of effects on key processes affecting inoculum dynamics and host susceptibility. Rates of residue decomposition, inoculum production and dispersal may be significantly altered by changes in crop rotations, atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]), temperature and precipitation patterns, but the impact may be much greater for regions where inoculum is more limited, such as temperate climates. In regions of non-limiting inoculum, climate change effects will likely be greater on the pathogenic rather than on the saprophytic phase. Although the mechanisms by which abiotic stress influences wheat defences against Fusarium species are unknown, available data would suggest that wheat may be more susceptible to Fusarium infection under future climate conditions. Additional research in this area should be a priority so that breeding efforts and climate resilient management strategies can be developed.

Fusarium and mycotoxin spectra in Swiss barley are affected by various cropping techniques

Fusarium head blight is one of the most important cereal diseases worldwide. Cereals differ in terms of the main occurring Fusarium species and the infection is influenced by various factors, such as weather and cropping measures. Little is known about Fusarium species in barley in Switzerland, hence harvest samples from growers were collected in 2013 and 2014, along with information on respective cropping factors. The incidence of different Fusarium species was obtained by using a seed health test and mycotoxins were quantified by LC-MS/MS. With these techniques, the most dominant species, F. graminearum, and the most prominent mycotoxin, deoxynivalenol (DON), were identified. Between the three main Swiss cropping systems, Organic, Extenso and Proof of ecological performance, we observed differences with the lowest incidence and toxin accumulation in organically cultivated barley. Hence, we hypothesise that this finding was based on an array of growing techniques within a given cropping system. We observed that barley samples from fields with maize as previous crop had a substantially higher F. graminearum incidence and elevated DON accumulation compared with other previous crops. Furthermore, the use of reduced tillage led to a higher disease incidence and toxin content compared with samples from ploughed fields. Further factors increasing Fusarium infection were high nitrogen fertilisation as well as the application of fungicides and growth regulators. Results from the current study can be used to develop optimised cropping systems that reduce the risks of mycotoxin contamination.

Alterations in Kernel Proteome after Infection with Fusarium culmorum in Two Triticale Cultivars with Contrasting Resistance to Fusarium Head Blight

Highlight: The level of pathogen alpha-amylase and plant beta-amylase activities could be components of plant-pathogen interaction associated with the resistance of triticale to Fusarium head blight. Triticale was used here as a model to recognize new components of molecular mechanism of resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB) in cereals. Fusarium-damaged kernels (FDK) of two lines distinct in levels of resistance to FHB were applied into a proteome profiling using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) to create protein maps and mass spectrometry (MS) to identify the proteins differentially accumulated between the analyzed lines. This proteomic research was supported by a measurement of alpha- and beta-amylase activities, mycotoxin content, and fungal biomass in the analyzed kernels. The 2-DE analysis indicated a total of 23 spots with clear differences in a protein content between the more resistant and more susceptible triticale lines after infection with Fusarium culmorum. A majority of the proteins were involved in a cell carbohydrate metabolism, stressing the importance of this protein group in a plant response to Fusarium infection. The increased accumulation levels of different isoforms of plant beta-amylase were observed for a more susceptible triticale line after inoculation but these were not supported by a total level of beta-amylase activity, showing the highest value in the control conditions. The more resistant line was characterized by a higher abundance of alpha-amylase inhibitor CM2 subunit and simultaneously a lower activity of alpha-amylase after inoculation. We suggest that the level of pathogen alpha-amylase and plant beta-amylase activities could be components of plant-pathogen interaction associated with the resistance of triticale to FHB.

Proteomic analysis of mature barley grains from C-hordein antisense lines

Hordeins are the major storage proteins in barley grains and are responsible for their low nutritional quality. Previously, antisense C-hordein barley lines were generated and were shown to contain a more balanced amino acid composition and an altered storage protein profile. In the present study, a proteomic approach that combined two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and mass spectrometry was used to (1) identify the changes in the protein profile of non-storage proteins (salt soluble fraction) in antisense C-hordein barley lines (L1, L2 and L3) and (2) map the differentially expressed proteins compared to the non-transgenic control line (Hordeum vulgare cv. Golden Promise). Moreover, the changes in the proteins were correlated with the more balanced amino acid composition of these lines, with special attention to the lysine content. The results showed that suppression of C-hordein expression does not exclusively affect hordein synthesis and accumulation. The more balanced amino acid composition observed in the transgenic lines L1, L2 and L3 was an indirect result of the profound alterations in the patterns of the non-storage proteins. The observed changes included up-regulated expression of the proteins involved in stress and detoxification (L1), defence (L2 and L3), and storage globulins (L1, L2 and L3). To a lesser extent, the proteins involved in grain metabolism were also changed. Thus, the increased essential amino acids content results from changes in distinct protein sources among the three antisense C-hordein lines analyzed, although the up-regulated expression of lysine-rich proteins was consistently observed in all lines.

Colonisation of winter wheat grain by Fusarium spp. and mycotoxin content as dependent on a wheat variety, crop rotation, a crop management system and weather conditions

Field experiments were conducted during three consecutive growing seasons (2007/08, 2008/09 and 2009/10) with four winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars - 'Bogatka', 'Kris', 'Satyna' and 'Tonacja' - grown on fields with a three-field crop rotation (winter triticale, spring barley, winter wheat) and in a four-field crop rotation experiment (spring wheat, spring cereals, winter rapeseed, winter wheat). After the harvest, kernels were surface disinfected with 2% NaOCl and then analysed for the internal infection by different species of Fusarium. Fusaria were isolated on Czapek-Dox iprodione dichloran agar medium and identified on the basis of macro- and micro-morphology on potato dextrose agar and synthetic nutrient agar media. The total wheat grain infection by Fusarium depended mainly on relative humidity (RH) and a rainfall during the flowering stage. Intensive rainfall and high RH in 2009 and 2010 in the period meant the proportions of infected kernels by the fungi were much higher than those in 2008 (lack of precipitation during anthesis). Weather conditions during the post-anthesis period changed the species composition of Fusarium communities internally colonising winter wheat grain. The cultivars significantly varied in the proportion of infected kernels by Fusarium spp. The growing season and type of crop rotation had a distinct effect on species composition of Fusarium communities colonising the grain inside. A trend of a higher percentage of the colonised kernels by the fungi in the grain from the systems using more fertilisers and pesticides as well as the buried straw could be perceived. The most frequent species in the grain were F. avenaceum, F. tricinctum and F. poae in 2008, and F. avenaceum, F. graminearum, F. tricinctum and F. poae in 2009 and 2010. The contents of deoxynivalenol and zearalenon in the grain were correlated with the percentage of kernels colonised by F. graminearum and were the highest in 2009 in the grain from the four-field crop rotation. The content of T-2/HT-2 toxins was the highest in 2010 in grain from the three-field crop rotation and it was correlated with the isolation frequency of F. langsethiae.

A proteomics survey on wheat susceptibility to Fusarium head blight during grain development

The mycotoxigenic fungal species Fusarium graminearum is able to attack several important cereal crops, such as wheat and barley. By causing Fusarium Head Blight (FHB) disease, F. graminearum induces yield and quality losses and poses a public health concern due to in planta mycotoxin production. The molecular and physiological plant responses to FHB, and the cellular biochemical pathways used by F. graminearum to complete its infectious process remain still unknown. In this study, a proteomics approach, combining 2D-gel approach and mass spectrometry, has been used to determine the specific protein patterns associated with the development of the fungal infection during grain growth on susceptible wheat. Our results reveal that F. graminearum infection does not deeply alter the grain proteome and does not significantly disturb the first steps of grain ontogeny but impacts molecular changes during the grain filling stage (impact on starch synthesis and storage proteins). The differentially regulated proteins identified were mainly involved in stress and defence mechanisms, primary metabolism, and main cellular processes such as signalling and transport. Our survey suggests that F. graminearum could take advantage of putative susceptibility factors closely related to grain development processes and thus provide new insights into key molecular events controlling the susceptible response to FHB in wheat grains.

Physiological and proteome studies of responses to heat stress during grain filling in contrasting wheat cultivars

Experiments to explore physiological and biochemical differences of the effects of heat stress in ten wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars have been performed. Based on the response of photosynthesis rates, cell membrane lipid peroxide concentrations and grain yield to heat, six cultivars were clustered as heat-tolerant (cv. '579', cv. '810', cv. '1110', cv. Terice, cv. Taifun and cv. Vinjett) and four as heat-sensitive (cv. '490', cv. '633', cv. '1039' and cv. '1159'). Higher rates of photosynthetic carbon- and light-use were accompanied by lower damage to cell membranes in leaves of tolerant compared to sensitive cultivars under heat stress. The tolerant cv. '810' and the sensitive cv. '1039' were selected for further proteome analysis of leaves. Proteins related to photosynthesis, glycolysis, stress defence, heat shock and ATP production were differently expressed in leaves of the tolerant and sensitive cultivar under heat stress in relation to the corresponding control. The abundance of proteins related to signal transduction, heat shock, photosynthesis, and antioxidants increased, while the abundance of proteins related to nitrogen metabolism decreased in the tolerant cv. '810' under heat stress as compared to the control. Collectively, the results indicate that primarily changes in both the amount and activities of enzymes involved in photosynthesis and antioxidant activities in leaves contributed to higher heat tolerance in the cv. '810' compared to the heat sensitive cv. '1039'.

Improved tolerance to drought stress after anthesis due to priming before anthesis in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) var. Vinjett

Drought stress occurring during the reproductive growth stage leads to considerable reductions in crop production and has become an important limiting factor for food security globally. In order to explore the possible role of drought priming (pre-exposure of the plants to mild drought stress) on the alleviation of a severe drought stress event later in development, wheat plants were subjected to single or double mild drought episodes (soil relative water content around 35-40%) before anthesis and/or to a severe drought stress event (soil relative water content around 20-25%) 15 d after anthesis. Here, single or double drought priming before anthesis resulted in higher grain yield than in non-primed plants under drought stress during grain filling. The photosynthesis rate and ascorbate peroxidase activity were higher while malondialdehyde content was lower in primed plants than in the non-primed plants under drought stress during grain filling. Proteins in flag leaves differently expressed by the priming and drought stress were mainly related to photosynthesis, stress defence, metabolism, molecular chaperone, and cell structure. Furthermore, the protein abundance of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) small subunit, Rubisco activase and ascorbate peroxidase were upregulated in primed plants compared with non-primed plants under drought stress during grain filling. In conclusion, the altered protein expression and upregulated activities of photosynthesis and ascorbate peroxidase in primed plants may indicate their potential roles in alleviating a later-occurring drought stress episode, thereby contributing to higher wheat grain yield under drought stress during grain filling.

Identification of kernel proteins associated with the resistance to fusarium head blight in winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Numerous potential components involved in the resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB) in cereals have been indicated, however, our knowledge regarding this process is still limited and further work is required. Two winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) lines differing in their levels of resistance to FHB were analyzed to identify the most crucial proteins associated with resistance in this species. The presented work involved analysis of protein abundance in the kernel bulks of more resistant and more susceptible wheat lines using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry identification of proteins, which were differentially accumulated between the analyzed lines, after inoculation with F. culmorum under field conditions. All the obtained two-dimensional patterns were demonstrated to be well-resolved protein maps of kernel proteomes. Although, 11 proteins were shown to have significantly different abundance between these two groups of plants, only two are likely to be crucial and have a potential role in resistance to FHB. Monomeric alpha-amylase and dimeric alpha-amylase inhibitors, both highly accumulated in the more resistant line, after inoculation and in the control conditions. Fusarium pathogens can use hydrolytic enzymes, including amylases to colonize kernels and acquire nitrogen and carbon from the endosperm and we suggest that the inhibition of pathogen amylase activity could be one of the most crucial mechanisms to prevent infection progress in the analyzed wheat line with a higher resistance. Alpha-amylase activity assays confirmed this suggestion as it revealed the highest level of enzyme activity, after F. culmorum infection, in the line more susceptible to FHB.

Transcriptional reprogramming of wheat and the hemibiotrophic pathogen Septoria tritici during two phases of the compatible interaction

The disease septoria leaf blotch of wheat, caused by fungal pathogen Septoria tritici, is of worldwide concern. The fungus exhibits a hemibiotrophic lifestyle, with a long symptomless, biotrophic phase followed by a sudden transition to necrotrophy associated with host necrosis. Little is known about the systematic interaction between fungal pathogenicity and host responses at specific growth stages and the factors triggering the transition. In order to gain some insights into global transcriptome alterations in both host and pathogen during the two phases of the compatible interaction, disease transition was monitored using pathogenesis-related gene markers and H₂O₂ signature prior to RNA-Seq. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the slow symptomless growth was accompanied by minor metabolic responses and slightly suppressed defences in the host, whereas necrotrophic growth was associated with enhanced host responses involving energy metabolism, transport, signalling, defence and oxidative stress as well as a decrease in photosynthesis. The fungus expresses distinct classes of stage-specific genes encoding potential effectors, probably first suppressing plant defence responses/facilitating the symptomless growth and later triggering life style transition and inducing host necrosis/facilitating the necrotrophic growth. Transport, signalling, anti-oxidative stress mechanisms and apoplastic nutrient acquisition play important roles in the entire infection process of S. tritici. Our findings uncover systematic S. tritici-induced expression profiles of wheat related to specific fungal infection strategies and provide a transcriptome resource for studying both hosts and pathogens in plant-Dothideomycete interactions.

Diversity and genetics of nitrogen-induced susceptibility to the blast fungus in rice and wheat

BACKGROUND

Nitrogen often increases disease susceptibility, a phenomenon that can be observed under controlled conditions and called NIS, for Nitrogen-Induced Susceptibility. NIS has long been reported in the case of rice blast disease caused by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. We used an experimental system that does not strongly affect plant development to address the question of NIS polymorphism across rice diversity and further explored this phenomenon in wheat. We tested the two major types of resistance, namely quantitative/partial resistance and resistance driven by known resistance genes. Indeed there are conflicting reports on the effects of NIS on the first one and none on the last one. Finally, the genetics of NIS is not well documented and only few loci have been identified that may control this phenomenon.

RESULTS

Our data indicate that NIS is a general phenomenon affecting resistance to blast fungus in these two cereals. We show that the capacity of rice to display NIS is highly polymorphic and does not correlate with difference related to indica/japonica sub-groups. We also tested the robustness of three different major resistance genes under high nitrogen. Nitrogen partially breaks down resistance triggered by the Pi1 gene. Cytological examination indicates that penetration rate is not affected by high nitrogen whereas growth of the fungus is increased inside the plant. Using the CSSL mapping population between Nipponbare and Kasalath, we identified a Kasalath locus on chromosome 1, called NIS1, which dominantly increases susceptibility under high nitrogen. We discuss the possible relationships between Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE), disease resistance regulation and NIS.

CONCLUSIONS

This work provides evidences that robust forms of partial resistance exist across diversity and can be easily identified with our protocol. This work also suggests that under certain environmental circumstances, complete resistance may breakdown, irrelevantly of the capacity of the fungus to mutate. These aspects should be considered while breeding for robust forms of resistance to blast disease.

Battle through signaling between wheat and the fungal pathogen Septoria tritici revealed by proteomics and phosphoproteomics

The fungus Septoria tritici causes the disease septoria tritici blotch in wheat, one of the most economically devastating foliar diseases in this crop. To investigate signaling events and defense responses in the wheat-S. tritici interaction, we performed a time-course study of S. tritici infection in resistant and susceptible wheat using quantitative proteomics and phosphoproteomics, with special emphasis on the initial biotrophic phase of interactions. Our study revealed an accumulation of defense and stress-related proteins, suppression of photosynthesis, and changes in sugar metabolism during compatible and incompatible interactions. However, differential regulation of the phosphorylation status of signaling proteins, transcription and translation regulators, and membrane-associated proteins was observed between two interactions. The proteomic data were correlated with a more rapid or stronger accumulation of signal molecules, including calcium, H2O2, NO, and sugars, in the resistant than in the susceptible cultivar in response to the infection. Additionally, 31 proteins and 5 phosphoproteins from the pathogen were identified, including metabolic proteins and signaling proteins such as GTP-binding proteins, 14-3-3 proteins, and calcium-binding proteins. Quantitative PCR analysis showed the expression of fungal signaling genes and genes encoding a superoxide dismutase and cell-wall degrading enzymes. These results indicate roles of signaling, antioxidative stress mechanisms, and nutrient acquisition in facilitating the initial symptomless growth. Taken in its entirety, our dataset suggests interplay between the plant and S. tritici through complex signaling networks and downstream molecular events. Resistance is likely related to several rapidly and intensively triggered signal transduction cascades resulting in a multiple-level activation of transcription and translation processes of defense responses. Our sensitive approaches and model provide a comprehensive (phospho)proteomics resource for studying signaling from the point of view of both host and pathogen during a plant-pathogen interaction.

2D difference gel electrophoresis reference map of a Fusarium graminearum nivalenol producing strain

Fusarium graminearum is widely studied as a model for toxin production among plant pathogenic fungi. A 2D DIGE reference map for the nivalenol-producing strain 453 was established. Based on a whole protein extract, all reproducible spots were systematically picked and analyzed by MALDI-TOF/TOF, leading to the identification of 1102 protein species. The obtained map contributes to the annotation of the genome by identifying previously nondescribed hypothetical proteins and will serve as a reference for future studies aiming at deciphering F. graminearum biology and chemotype diversity.

Fusarium graminearum and Its Interactions with Cereal Heads: Studies in the Proteomics Era

The ascomycete fungal pathogen Fusarium graminearum (teleomorph stage: Gibberella zeae) is the causal agent of Fusarium head blight in wheat and barley. This disease leads to significant losses of crop yield, and especially quality through the contamination by diverse fungal mycotoxins, which constitute a significant threat to the health of humans and animals. In recent years, high-throughput proteomics, aiming at identifying a broad spectrum of proteins with a potential role in the pathogenicity and host resistance, has become a very useful tool in plant-fungus interaction research. In this review, we describe the progress in proteomics applications toward a better understanding of F. graminearum pathogenesis, virulence, and host defense mechanisms. The contribution of proteomics to the development of crop protection strategies against this pathogen is also discussed briefly.

Secretomics identifies Fusarium graminearum proteins involved in the interaction with barley and wheat

Fusarium graminearum is a phytopathogenic fungus primarily infecting small grain cereals, including barley and wheat. Secreted enzymes play important roles in the pathogenicity of many fungi. In order to access the secretome of F. graminearum, the fungus was grown in liquid culture with barley or wheat flour as the sole nutrient source to mimic the host-pathogen interaction. A gel-based proteomics approach was employed to identify the proteins secreted into the culture medium. Sixty-nine unique fungal proteins were identified in 154 protein spots, including enzymes involved in the degradation of cell walls, starch and proteins. Of these proteins, 35% had not been identified in previous in planta or in vitro studies, 70% were predicted to contain signal peptides and a further 16% may be secreted in a nonclassical manner. Proteins identified in the 72 spots showing differential appearance between wheat and barley flour medium were mainly involved in fungal cell wall remodelling and the degradation of plant cell walls, starch and proteins. The in planta expression of corresponding F. graminearum genes was confirmed by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in barley and wheat spikelets harvested at 2-6 days after inoculation. In addition, a clear difference in the accumulation of fungal biomass and the extent of fungal-induced proteolysis of plant β-amylase was observed in barley and wheat. The present study considerably expands the current database of F. graminearum secreted proteins which may be involved in Fusarium head blight.

On the trail of a cereal killer: recent advances in Fusarium graminearum pathogenomics and host resistance

The ascomycete fungal pathogen Fusarium graminearum (sexual stage: Gibberella zeae) causes the devastating head blight or scab disease on wheat and barley, and cob or ear rot disease on maize. Fusarium graminearum infection causes significant crop and quality losses. In addition to roles as virulence factors during pathogenesis, trichothecene mycotoxins (e.g. deoxynivalenol) produced by this pathogen constitute a significant threat to human and animal health if consumed in respective food or feed products. In the last few years, significant progress has been made towards a better understanding of the processes involved in F. graminearum pathogenesis, toxin biosynthesis and host resistance mechanisms through the use of high-throughput genomic and phenomic technologies. In this article, we briefly review these new advances and also discuss how future research can contribute to the development of sustainable plant protection strategies against this important plant pathogen.

Responses of barley root and shoot proteomes to long-term nitrogen deficiency, short-term nitrogen starvation and ammonium

Cereals are major crops worldwide, and improvement of their nitrogen use efficiency is a crucial challenge. In this study proteins responding to N supply in barley roots and shoots were analysed using a proteomics approach, to provide insight into mechanisms of N uptake and assimilation. Control plants grown hydroponically for 33 d with 5 mm nitrate, plants grown under N deficiency (0.5 mm nitrate, 33 d) or short-term N starvation (28 d with 5 mm nitrate followed by 5 d with no N source) were compared. N deficiency caused changes in C and N metabolism and ascorbate-glutathione cycle enzymes in shoots and roots. N starvation altered proteins of amino acid metabolism in roots. Both treatments caused proteome changes in roots that could affect growth. Shoots of plants grown with ammonium as N source (28 d with 5 mm nitrate followed by 5 d with 5 mm ammonium) showed responses similar to N deficient shoots, characterized by turnover of ribulose 1·5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) and increases in proteins of the chloroplastic transcription and translation machinery. Identified proteins in 67 and 49 varying spots in roots and shoots respectively, corresponded to 62 functions and over 80 gene products, considerably advancing knowledge of N responses in barley.

Response of germinating barley seeds to Fusarium graminearum: The first molecular insight into Fusarium seedling blight

Fusarium seedling blight in cereals can result in significant reductions in plant establishment but has not received much attention. The disease often starts during seed germination due to sowing of the seeds infected by Fusarium spp. including Fusarium graminearum. In order to gain the first molecular insights into the response of the germinating barley seeds to F. graminearum for controlling the disease, germinating seeds were treated with water as control or inoculated with F. graminearum conidia and samples were harvested at 1, 2 and 3 days after inoculation (dai). Although germination rates were not significantly different between F. graminearum-inoculated and control samples, albumins and hydrogen peroxide were accumulated in the inoculated samples at 1-3 dai, indicating that there was an interaction between the germinating seeds and F. graminearum. Subsequently, a gel-based proteomic approach was employed to identify differentially expressed proteins in the seeds responding to fungal infection at 3 dai, which revealed 42 protein spots, 41 of which were identified by mass spectrometry. The up-regulated proteins mainly included heat shock proteins, antioxidant enzymes and the proteins involved in primary metabolism and detoxification whereas the majority of down-regulated proteins were plant protease inhibitors. The results suggest that there is a link between increased energy metabolism and oxidative stress in the germinating barley seeds in response to F. graminearum infection, which provides the first molecular insight into Fusarium seedling blight.

The influence of the fungal pathogen Mycocentrospora acerina on the proteome and polyacetylenes and 6-methoxymellein in organic and conventionally cultivated carrots (Daucus carota) during post harvest storage

Many carrots are discarded during post harvest cold storage due to development of fungal infections, caused by, e.g., Mycocentrospora acerina (liquorice rot). We compared the susceptibility of carrots grown under conventional and organic agricultural practices. In one year, organically cultivated carrots showed 3× to 7× more symptoms than conventionally cultivated, when studying naturally occurring disease at 4 and 6 months, respectively. On the other hand, we have developed a bioassay for infection studies of M. acerina on carrots and observed that organic roots were more susceptible after one month of storage than conventional ones, but no differences were apparent after four or six months storage. Levels of polyacetylenes (falcarinol, falcarindiol and falcarindiol-3-acetate) did not change, whereas the isocoumarin phytoalexin (6-methoxymellein) accumulated in infected tissue as well as in healthy tissue opposite the infection. The proteomes of carrot and M. acerina were characterized, the intensity of 33 plant protein spots was significantly changed in infected roots including up regulation of defence and stress response proteins but also a decrease of proteins involved in energy metabolism. This combined metabolic and proteomic study indicates that roots respond to fungal infection through altered metabolism: simultaneous induction of 6-methoxymellein and synthesis of defence related proteins.

Implications of high-temperature events and water deficits on protein profiles in wheat (Triticum aestivum L. cv. Vinjett) grain

Increased climatic variability is resulting in an increase of both the frequency and the magnitude of extreme climate events. Therefore, cereals may be exposed to more than one stress event in the growing season, which may ultimately affect crop yield and quality. Here, effects are reported of interaction of water deficits and/or a high-temperature event (32°C) during vegetative growth (terminal spikelet) with either of these stress events applied during generative growth (anthesis) in wheat. Influence of combinations of stress on protein fractions (albumins, globulins, gliadins and glutenins) in grains and stress-induced changes on the albumin and gliadin proteomes were investigated by 2-DE and MS. The synthesis of individual protein fractions was shown to be affected by both the type and time of the applied stresses. Identified drought or high-temperature-responsive proteins included proteins involved in primary metabolism, storage and stress response such as late embryogenesis abundant proteins, peroxiredoxins and α-amylase/trypsin inhibitors. Several proteins, e.g. heat shock protein and 14-3-3 protein changed in abundance only under multiple high temperatures.