Oomycete Plant Pathogens Use Electric Fields to Target Roots

• DOI: 10.1094/mpmi.2002.15.8.790
• Publication Date: 2007-05-11T09:21:42Z
• Authors: P. van West; B. M. Morris; B. Reid; A. A. Appiah; M. C. Osborne; T. A. Campbell; S. J. Shepherd; N. A. R. Gow
• Keywords: Zoospore; Oomycete; Plant roots; Plant Roots

Plant roots generate electrical currents and associated fields as a consequence of electrogenic ion transport at the root surface. Here we demonstrate that attraction swimming zoospores oomycete plant pathogens to is mediated in part by electrotaxis natural root-generated electric fields. The zones accumulation anode- or cathode-seeking adjacent intact wounded surfaces correlated with their vitro electrotactic behavior. Manipulation field was reflected changes pattern zoospore imposed focal were capable overriding endogenous signals overall around not affected presence amino acids concentrations expected within rhizosphere, although higher induced encystment reduced targeting. data suggest can augment override chemical ones mediating short-range tactic responses surfaces.