A research team led by Wen Yingqiang from Northwest A&F University recently published a study in Horticulture Research, revealing the working mechanism of the grape powdery mildew effector CSEP080, providing new insights into controlling grape powdery mildew.

 

Powdery mildew is one of the main diseases affecting grape production. This study identified a grape powdery mildew effector CSEP080, confirming that it can transport to grape chloroplasts and cell membranes to inhibit plant hypersensitive responses. Silencing this gene can reduce the pathogenicity of powdery mildew. The study also found that CSEP080 inhibits plant disease resistance by affecting photosynthesis and regulating accumulation of hydrogen peroxide in plants. Meanwhile, it can also promote the expression of pectinase to facilitate the invasion of the host by powdery mildew.

 

This study thoroughly reveals the pathogenic mechanism of grape powdery mildew, laying a theoretical foundation for developing green control methods and breeding resistant varieties against grape powdery mildew.