Differential expression and structural polymorphism in rubber tree genes related to South American leaf blight resistance

• Published in: Physiological and molecular plant pathology Vol. 110; p. 101477
• Main Authors: Angelo, Paula Cristina da Silva, Yamagishi, Michel Eduardo Beleza, Cruz, Jeferson Chagas da, Silva, Gilvan Ferreira da, Gasparotto, Luadir
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.04.2020
• ISSN: 0885-5765; 1096-1178
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pmpp.2020.101477

South American leaf blight (SALB) is the worst impairment for rubber tree cultivation in the Amazon. Hevea brasiliensis clones produce high latex yields but most are SALB-susceptible (SS). So, resistance has been searched in related species. We selected defense related genes among those differentially expressed while contrasting SALB-resistant (SR) and susceptible clones from three Hevea species. SS clones over-expressed pathways responsive to salicylic (SA) and also jasmonic acid, thus entering a self-harmful cycle. SR clones displayed tightly coordinated SA-responsive and stress-control pathways. Polymorphism in the selected gene sequences supported SS × SR clone divergence. •South American leaf blight is a barrier to rubber tree cultivation in the Amazon.•The best latex yields are taken from SALB-susceptible Hevea brasiliensis clones.•Hevea species display differentially expressed, polymorphic defense-related paralogs.•SA and JA-responsive reactions are excessive in susceptible plants, poisoning cells.•SA-responsive and stress-avoidance reactions are effective in resistant genotypes.