Planting Parasites: Unveiling Common Molecular Mechanisms of Parasitism and Grafting
Oct. 8, 2020
Using the model Orobanchaceae parasitic plant Phtheirospermum japonicum, Associate Professor Michitaka Notaguchi from Nagoya University and other research institutes from Japan have discerned the molecular mechanisms underlying plant parasitism and cross-species grafting, pinpointing enzyme β-1,4-glucanase (GH9B3) as an important contributor to both phenomena. Targeting this enzyme may help control plant parasitism in crops. Also, this mechanism can be exploited for novel cross-species grafting techniques to realize the goal of sustainable agricultural technologies.