A protein kinase–major sperm protein gene hijacked by a necrotrophic fungal pathogen triggers disease susceptibility in wheat

Septoria nodorum blotch (SNB), a disease caused by the necrotrophic fungal pathogen Parastagonospora nodorum, is threat to wheat (Triticum aestivum) production worldwide. Multiple inverse gene-for-gene interactions involving recognition of effectors (NEs) sensitivity genes play major roles in causing SNB. One interaction involves gene Snn3 and P. NE SnTox3. Here, we used map-based strategy clone Snn3-D1 from Aegilops tauschii, D-genome progenitor common wheat. contained protein kinase sperm domains, both which were essential for function as confirmed mutagenesis. As opposed other characterized this pathosystem, compatible Snn3-D1–SnTox3 was light-independent, transcriptional expression downregulated light upregulated darkness. likely emerged Ae. tauschii due an approximately 218-kb insertion that occurred along west bank Caspian Sea. The identification new class combined with previously cloned demonstrates can take advantage diverse host targets trigger SNB susceptibility