Open AccessAn ( E,E )‐α‐farnesene synthase gene of soybean has a role in defence against nematodes and is involved in synthesizing insect‐induced volatiles
Author(s) -
Lin Jingyu,
Wang Dan,
Chen Xinlu,
Köllner Tobias G.,
Mazarei Mitra,
Guo Hong,
Pantalone Vincent R.,
Arelli Prakash,
Stewart Charles Neal,
Wang Ningning,
Chen Feng
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
plant biotechnology journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.525
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1467-7652
pISSN - 1467-7644
DOI - 10.1111/pbi.12649
Subject(s) - biology , soybean cyst nematode , methyl jasmonate , tetranychus urticae , gene , atp synthase , genetically modified crops , botany , gene expression , transgene , biochemistry , pest analysis
Summary Plant terpene synthase genes ( TPS s ) have roles in diverse biological processes. Here, we report the functional characterization of one member of the soybean TPS gene family, which was designated Gm AFS . Recombinant Gm AFS produced in Escherichia coli catalysed the formation of a sesquiterpene ( E,E )‐α‐farnesene. Gm AFS is closely related to ( E,E )‐α‐farnesene synthase gene from apple, both phylogenetically and structurally. Gm AFS was further investigated for its biological role in defence against nematodes and insects. Soybean cyst nematode ( SCN ) is the most important pathogen of soybean. The expression of Gm AFS in a SCN ‐resistant soybean was significantly induced by SCN infection compared with the control, whereas its expression in a SCN ‐susceptible soybean was not changed by SCN infection. Transgenic hairy roots overexpressing Gm AFS under the control of the Ca MV 35S promoter were generated in an SCN ‐susceptible soybean line. The transgenic lines showed significantly higher resistance to SCN , which indicates that Gm AFS contributes to the resistance of soybean to SCN . In soybean leaves, the expression of Gm AFS was found to be induced by Tetranychus urticae (two‐spotted spider mites). Exogenous application of methyl jasmonate to soybean plants also induced the expression of Gm AFS in leaves. Using headspace collection combined with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis, soybean plants that were infested with T. urticae were shown to emit a mixture of volatiles with ( E,E )‐α‐farnesene as one of the most abundant constituents. In summary, this study showed that Gm AFS has defence roles in both below‐ground and above‐ground organs of soybean against nematodes and insects, respectively.