Three-way interactions (plant-fungi-herbivores)

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In nature, plants get along with other living organisms forming both mutualistic and parasitic interactions. Besides beneficial microorganisms, such as symbiotic rhizobacteria or mycorrhizal fungi, plants combat a wide range of phytopathogens and pests.

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    We study interactions of the three counterparts: 

plant (oilseed rape B. napus) – microorganism (L. maculans) – arthropod (Plutella xylostella or Brevicoryne brassicae), forming a complicated dynamic network of relations in which each can modulate plant resistance or susceptibility to the others.

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    Herbivore attack activates diverse components of plant immune system, thus infection by pathogen could modify susceptibility to pests and vice versa. It is important to know, which particular type of pathogen (biotroph, necrotroph, hemibiotroph) form positive or negative interaction with specific type of herbivore (chewing, sucking). Moreover, beneficial microorganisms (e.g. fungal entomopathogens) and resistance inducers might boost plant immune system and modify plant attractiveness to insect herbivores. 

     Plant attractiveness for herbivores depends on plant-emitted volatile compounds. We aim to uncover changes in the spectrum of volatile compounds emitted by infected/infested plants. The mechanisms underlying plant's modified resistance or susceptibility are to be defined on molecular level based on transcriptome, metabolome and hormonome analysis.