The angiospermous root parasite Orobanche L. (Orobanchaceae) induces expression of a pathogenesis related (PR) gene in susceptible tobacco roots

Parasitic plants develop a haustorium that intrudes host tissues. In roots of transgenic PRb-1b-GUS tobacco the expression of the chimeric gene was prominent near Orobanche infection. The expression of the pathogenesis related (PR) protein gene in Orobanche-infected roots indicates that Orobanche releases appropriate elicitors, and that the susceptible plant does sense Orobanche invasion. The Orobanche-responsive promoter may be a useful tool in engineering resistances to this parasitic weed. (C) 1998 Annals of Botany Company.