Abstract:
Intheplant-plantpathosystemofrice(Oryzasativa)andthepar
asitic plant Striga hermonthica, cell walls from either plant are
important defensive and offensive structures. Here, we reveal
the cell wall dynamics in both Striga and rice using simulta
neous RNA sequencing. We used weighted gene co-expression
network analysis to home in on cell wall modification processes
occurring in interactions with a resistant rice cultivar (Nippon
bare) compared with a susceptible one (IAC 165). Likewise, we
comparedthecellwalldynamicsinStrigainfectingresistantand
susceptible rice. Ourstudyrevealedanintensebattlementatthe
Striga-rice cell walls involving both parasite (offense) and host
(defense) factors, the outcome of which makes the difference
between successful or failed parasitism. Striga activates genes
encoding cell wall-degrading enzymes to gain access to the host,
expansinstoallowforcellelongation,andpectinmethylesterase
inhibitors for rigidity during infection. In the susceptible host,
immuneresponseprocesses are not induced, and Striga-derived
cell wall-degrading enzymes easily breach the host cell wall, re
sulting in successful parasitism. In contrast, the resistant host
invokes immuneresponsesmodulatedbyphytohormonestofor
tify the cell wall through polysaccharides and lignin deposition.
Through these processes, the cell wall of the resistant host suc
cessfully obstructs parasite entry. We discuss the implications
of these findings in the context of practical agriculture in which
cell wall modification can be used to manage parasitic plants.
†Corresponding authors: E. S. Bellis; ebellis@astate.edu,
