Upregulation of gray mold-induced plant genes in uninfected rachis tissue

Molecular detection of infections is normally performed by searching for the DNA of the pathogen in infected tissues. We consider the possibility of detecting an ongoing infection by analyzing the systemic response. The genes coding for FAD-binding domain-containing protein and two Cytochrome P450s were upregulated in visually healthy tissue of pathogen-inoculated leaves at 24 and 48 hours post infection, both during tip and side leaflet inoculations. The upregulation of these genes was statistically not different between rachis and inoculation spot. The results suggest the possibility to sense B. cinerea single leaflet infections by measuring plant gene expression in rachis-derived samples.

Automated summary

This study proposes a new method for detecting infections by analyzing the systemic response of plants. The results suggest that specific genes are upregulated in healthy tissue after infection, which may be used to detect specific pathogen infections.