Zea mays cultivar:A188

Maize (Zea mays) is a cereal grain crop grown around the globe, which is severely affected by herbivorous insects (more than 90 species) (Machado et al., 2002). Jasmonates acid (JA) is known to regulate plant defenses including indole-derived benzoxazinoids (BXs) against herbivores, Niemeyer, 2009). We show that the pattern of Bx accumulation within the treated leaf were preceded by the accumulation of JA and JA-Ile (JA-isoleucine conjugate) suggesting a possible regulatory role of JA pathway. Leaf ablation experiments suggest that a long distance mobile signal traveled to the systemic leaves where the accumulations of JA and JA-Ile was triggered. These changes in systemic leaves are translated into elevated resistance, which are most likely Bx-dependent. Common TFs in Local and systemic leaves may regulate the de novo transcription of BX genes. This study sheds light on the spatial regulation of induced resistance to insect herbivores and will help to develop herbivore-resistant maize cultivars.

15