Arabidopsis β-amylase 3 affects cell wall architecture and resistance against Fusarium oxysporum

Phytopathogenic strains of Fusarium oxysporum cause destructive vascular wilt disease limiting the yield of many economically important crops. Because of the pathogen's vascular lifestyle, the use of resistant cultivars is an effective, environmentally friendly and sustainable strategy for disease management. Our study showed that the disruption of /3-amylase 3 gene (BAM3) led to increased resistance to F. oxysporum f. sp. raphani, since the Arabidopsis thaliana bam3 mutant exhibited significantly reduced susceptibility to the pathogen. Additionally, cell wall pectin modification by methylesterification is important for bam3 defense responses against F. oxysporum.

Automated summary

Phytopathogenic strains of Fusarium oxysporum cause destructive vascular wilt disease in economically important crops, and the use of resistant cultivars is an effective strategy for disease management. Our study showed that disruption of the BAM3 gene increased resistance to F. oxysporum f. sp. raphani, as the bam3 mutant exhibited reduced susceptibility to the pathogen. Additionally, cell wall pectin modification through methylesterification is important for bam3 defense responses against F. oxysporum.