IRD researchers and their partners have conducted a study on the molecular decoding of interactions between wheat and bacteria, which opens the way to better plant health.
Xanthomonas is a group of bacteria that can affect many cultivated species such as wheat, barley, rice, lemons, cotton, strawberries, apricots, nuts, tomatoes and peppers. Despite the impact of this pathogen on the growth of these economically useful species, the effect of the infection at molecular level remains very poorly understood.
IRD researchers and their partners analysed the expression of the genes and proteins in the leaves and roots of wheat (Triticum aestivum) 24 hours after infection of the leaves by Xanthomonas translucens. They observed a series of metabolic rearrangements not only at the infection site, but also in the roots. The data show a major decrease in photosynthesis after infection, confirming that the chloroplasts in the leaves are a nerve centre of the attack. Meanwhile, the roots are an important site of energy production, and seem to play a key role in defending the plant.
These results, which demonstrate complex defence circuits in the plant and modifications in the production of certain metabolites, give a better understanding of the infection process and allow us to develop new strategies to combat these pathogens.