The role of photoprotection in defence of two wheat genotypes against Zymoseptoria tritici

This study provides new insights into the role of photoprotection in preformed and induced defence two wheat genotypes with contrasting phenotypes to infection by Zymoseptoria tritici. We investigated mechanisms photoprotective response during early infection, including nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ), β-carotene-derived xanthophylls, reactive oxygen species, phytohormones abscisic acid (ABA), jasmonic (JA), salicylic (SA). Furthermore, we quantified effects pathogenesis on photosynthesis, stomatal control, expression plant molecular markers. The mechanism successful involved qI component NPQ leading rapid down-regulation photosystem II quantum yield chlorophyll a:b, increased biosynthesis xanthophyll neoxanthin ABA, chloroplast-specific enzymes engage scavenging O2●−. Elevated ABA resistant genotype correlated leaf traits low density, wax biosynthesis, lignification. Z. tritici exhibited reduced germination branching host hijacked control both enhancing sensitivity light. Increased JA anthocyanins, contrast SA, were incompatible interaction. Our results indicate that antagonistic action SA associated genotype, Cougar, against