TaWRKY10 transcription factor is a novel jasmonic acid signalling regulator involved in immunity against Septoria tritici blotch disease in wheat

Septoria tritici blotch (STB), caused by the fungus Zymoseptoria tritici, is currently main threat to worldwide wheat production in temperate climates. Understanding genetic mechanisms that underpin Z. tritici–wheat interaction will be crucial for generating new control strategies against STB. Plant hormones are essential regulators of growth and immunity. In particular, jasmonic acid (JA) plays a central role defence necrotrophic plant pathogens, but its mediating immunity largely unknown. Here we identify transcription factor TaWRKY10 taxonomically restricted grass subfamily Pooideae as novel regulator JA responses wheat. We demonstrate using virus-induced gene silencing leads increased resistance with an earlier onset necrotic symptoms, reduced pathogen sporulation. Wheat plants silenced show up-regulated response. Transcriptional profiling knock-down indicates it negative receptor TaCOI1 expression. Our data indicate down-regulates responses, contributing susceptibility tritici. postulate manipulating may provide strategy boost STB