Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions® (MPMI)
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MPMI, a gold Open Access journal from The American Phytopathological Society and the International Society for Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions, features research on plant interactions with microbes, insects, nematodes, and parasitic plants.
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New call for papers alert 🚨🌱🦠 Submit to the "Symbiotic and Pathogenic Interactions in the Rhizosphere" focus issue by September 1, 2025!
Focus Issue Guest Editors: Tarek Hewezi, Hari Krishnan, Kevin Garcia, and Mina Ohtsu
Learn more: apsjournals.apsnet.org/mpmirhizosph...
Focus Issue Guest Editors: Tarek Hewezi, Hari Krishnan, Kevin Garcia, and Mina Ohtsu
Learn more: apsjournals.apsnet.org/mpmirhizosph...
Deadline extended: Submit to the forthcoming MPMI focus issue by November 1, 2025! 🚨
Nicholas Rhoades et al. identified an RGAE homolog in Fusarium graminearum that is critical for the initial infection and DON mycotoxin accumulation in wheat and barley. Targeting this single effector gene, FgRGAE, offers a powerful new strategy to protect cereal crops: https://bit.ly/4oilO96
November 18, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Nicholas Rhoades et al. identified an RGAE homolog in Fusarium graminearum that is critical for the initial infection and DON mycotoxin accumulation in wheat and barley. Targeting this single effector gene, FgRGAE, offers a powerful new strategy to protect cereal crops: https://bit.ly/4oilO96
Mandelli & Deluc identified 9 "hotspots" on the Grapevine Red Blotch Virus genome that are highly targeted by the grapevine's defense system. Delivering double-stranded RNA from these sites significantly reduced viral expression, paving the way for targeted RNAi biopesticides: https://bit.ly/3Jvwr9e
![Fig. 3.
Mapping of the most significantly represented viral small-interfering RNAs (vsiRNAs) to the grapevine red blotch virus (GRBV) genome (NY358 to JQ901105.2). A, Linear representation of the GRBV genomic features (open reading frames [ORFs] and intergenic regions) and the location of RNA interference (RNAi) hotspots (HSs). The genomic features are labeled as follows: long intergenic region (LIR), coat protein (V1 or CP), short intergenic region (SIR), and replication-associated protein (C1 or RepA). B, Predicted secondary structures for each HS. The color coding on these structures, generated by RNAfold, reflects the entropy at each position, indicating the binding stability between base pairs (red = high stability, green/blue = low stability).](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:ypn4w5ifq3ag6mlwd4rd5t2j/bafkreigjxvcmv4c35xro53fanqh4tg3jaf5f7r53x2xcvwuytuxvqqgf4q@jpeg)
November 11, 2025 at 5:11 PM
Mandelli & Deluc identified 9 "hotspots" on the Grapevine Red Blotch Virus genome that are highly targeted by the grapevine's defense system. Delivering double-stranded RNA from these sites significantly reduced viral expression, paving the way for targeted RNAi biopesticides: https://bit.ly/3Jvwr9e
Xiaoxiao Zhang et al. reports that flax rust effectors are secreted into a space outside the host cell, but only AvrM has the key signal for delivery into the host cell cytoplasm. Translocation is a separate process! Learn more: https://bit.ly/47BTl6Z
Read the commentary: https://bit.ly/4oO50Xj
Read the commentary: https://bit.ly/4oO50Xj
November 4, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Xiaoxiao Zhang et al. reports that flax rust effectors are secreted into a space outside the host cell, but only AvrM has the key signal for delivery into the host cell cytoplasm. Translocation is a separate process! Learn more: https://bit.ly/47BTl6Z
Read the commentary: https://bit.ly/4oO50Xj
Read the commentary: https://bit.ly/4oO50Xj
Po-Yuan Shih et al. found that the pea aphid's specialized salivary effector protein, Ap4, interacts directly with key pea proteins (PsBPL1/2) involved in plant immunity. When expressed, Ap4 enhances aphid performance: https://bit.ly/3Ww9pCg
Read the commentary: https://bit.ly/3JytiFH
Read the commentary: https://bit.ly/3JytiFH
October 30, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Po-Yuan Shih et al. found that the pea aphid's specialized salivary effector protein, Ap4, interacts directly with key pea proteins (PsBPL1/2) involved in plant immunity. When expressed, Ap4 enhances aphid performance: https://bit.ly/3Ww9pCg
Read the commentary: https://bit.ly/3JytiFH
Read the commentary: https://bit.ly/3JytiFH
Get a First Look 🔍: "STT3A Is Required for Recognition of Pathogen-Derived Sphingolipids in Arabidopsis," by Seowon Choi et al. https://doi.org/10.1094/MPMI-05-25-0061-R
STT3A Is Required for Recognition of Pathogen-Derived Sphingolipids in Arabidopsis | Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions®
Plants recognize pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) via pattern recognition receptors, leading to the activation of pattern-triggered immunity in response to pathogen attack. Phytophthora infestans ceramide D (Pi-Cer D) is a sphingolipid fro...
doi.org
October 29, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Get a First Look 🔍: "STT3A Is Required for Recognition of Pathogen-Derived Sphingolipids in Arabidopsis," by Seowon Choi et al. https://doi.org/10.1094/MPMI-05-25-0061-R
Reposted by Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions® (MPMI)
The Pea Aphid's Secret Weapon Uncovered! 🤫 Our Commentary highlights the discovery of aphid effector Ap4—a single salivary protein—that manipulates the plant's defense system to boost pest's reproductive success.
apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/10.1094/...
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October 27, 2025 at 10:00 PM
The Pea Aphid's Secret Weapon Uncovered! 🤫 Our Commentary highlights the discovery of aphid effector Ap4—a single salivary protein—that manipulates the plant's defense system to boost pest's reproductive success.
apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/10.1094/...
@msr20.bsky.social
@mpmijournal.bsky.social
apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/10.1094/...
@msr20.bsky.social
@mpmijournal.bsky.social
Just Published: "The TALE PthA4 of Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri Indirectly Activates an Expansin Gene CsEXP2 and an Endoglucanase CsEG1 via CsLOB1 to Cause Citrus Canker Symptoms," by Rikky Rai and Nian Wang. Learn more: https://doi.org/10.1094/MPMI-03-25-0030-R
October 27, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Just Published: "The TALE PthA4 of Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri Indirectly Activates an Expansin Gene CsEXP2 and an Endoglucanase CsEG1 via CsLOB1 to Cause Citrus Canker Symptoms," by Rikky Rai and Nian Wang. Learn more: https://doi.org/10.1094/MPMI-03-25-0030-R
Get a First Look 🔍: "Structural Insights into WY Domain-SLiM Containing Conserved RxLR Effectors: A Case Study of Five Important Phytophthora Species," by B. C. Salasini et al. https://doi.org/10.1094/MPMI-11-24-0144-R
Structural Insights into WY Domain-SLiM Containing Conserved RxLR Effectors: A Case Study of Five Important Phytophthora Species | Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions®
Pathogenicity in Phytophthora species is in part underpinned by a sophisticated arsenal of RxLR effectors, which function as molecular determinants of host immune manipulation. Among these, Conserved RxLR Effectors (CREs) represent an evolutionarily con...
doi.org
October 23, 2025 at 9:22 PM
Get a First Look 🔍: "Structural Insights into WY Domain-SLiM Containing Conserved RxLR Effectors: A Case Study of Five Important Phytophthora Species," by B. C. Salasini et al. https://doi.org/10.1094/MPMI-11-24-0144-R
Just Published: "A Chromosome-Scale Genome Assembly of the Flax Rust Fungus Reveals the Two Unusually Large Effector Proteins, AvrM3 and AvrN," by Jana Sperschneider et al. Learn more: https://doi.org/10.1094/MPMI-04-25-0047-R
October 21, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Just Published: "A Chromosome-Scale Genome Assembly of the Flax Rust Fungus Reveals the Two Unusually Large Effector Proteins, AvrM3 and AvrN," by Jana Sperschneider et al. Learn more: https://doi.org/10.1094/MPMI-04-25-0047-R
Get a First Look 🔍: "Conservation of Genes Required for Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis," by Ellen Krall et al. https://doi.org/10.1094/MPMI-05-25-0065-CR
Conservation of Genes Required for Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis | Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions®
Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis is an ancient association that played a key role in the adaptation of plants to terrestrial environments. Originating over 400 million years ago at the dawn of land plants, this interaction depends on a core set of ...
doi.org
October 17, 2025 at 7:46 PM
Get a First Look 🔍: "Conservation of Genes Required for Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis," by Ellen Krall et al. https://doi.org/10.1094/MPMI-05-25-0065-CR
Just Published: "An RGAE Homolog in Fusarium graminearum Is Critical for Initial Infection in Wheat and Barley," by Nicholas Rhoades et al. 🌾
Read the full article to learn more: https://doi.org/10.1094/MPMI-03-25-0027-R
Read the full article to learn more: https://doi.org/10.1094/MPMI-03-25-0027-R
October 16, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Just Published: "An RGAE Homolog in Fusarium graminearum Is Critical for Initial Infection in Wheat and Barley," by Nicholas Rhoades et al. 🌾
Read the full article to learn more: https://doi.org/10.1094/MPMI-03-25-0027-R
Read the full article to learn more: https://doi.org/10.1094/MPMI-03-25-0027-R
Reposted by Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions® (MPMI)
On this #WorldFoodDay, we celebrate the efforts of those who nourish our communities, protect our planet, and shape a better future through better food for all. Explore resources to learn more about food security and sustainability. #FAO80
https://bit.ly/4nqN3x7
https://bit.ly/4nqN3x7
October 16, 2025 at 2:14 PM
On this #WorldFoodDay, we celebrate the efforts of those who nourish our communities, protect our planet, and shape a better future through better food for all. Explore resources to learn more about food security and sustainability. #FAO80
https://bit.ly/4nqN3x7
https://bit.ly/4nqN3x7
Just Published: "Early Activation of RNAi Reveals Genomic Regions of Grapevine Red Blotch Virus Targeted for Silencing in Grapevine," by Christian Mandelli and Laurent G. Deluc 🍇 Read the full article to learn more: https://doi.org/10.1094/MPMI-04-25-0038-R
October 14, 2025 at 6:57 PM
Just Published: "Early Activation of RNAi Reveals Genomic Regions of Grapevine Red Blotch Virus Targeted for Silencing in Grapevine," by Christian Mandelli and Laurent G. Deluc 🍇 Read the full article to learn more: https://doi.org/10.1094/MPMI-04-25-0038-R
Reposted by Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions® (MPMI)
We are very happy to share that our paper on Comparative Transcriptomics of Zymoseptoria tritici during host and non-host interactions was accepted for publication in @mpmijournal.bsky.social journal and was just released in the first look section! doi.org/10.1094/MPMI...
Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis of Zymoseptoria tritici Reveals Interaction-Specific Gene Expression Patterns During Susceptible, Resistant, and Non-Host Interactions | Molecular Plant-Microbe Int...
Zymoseptoria tritici causes Septoria tritici blotch which significantly reduces yields of wheat. To investigate infection phase-specific gene expression in the pathogen, we analyzed gene expression du...
doi.org
September 27, 2025 at 3:10 AM
We are very happy to share that our paper on Comparative Transcriptomics of Zymoseptoria tritici during host and non-host interactions was accepted for publication in @mpmijournal.bsky.social journal and was just released in the first look section! doi.org/10.1094/MPMI...
Beet mosaic virus (BtMV), once managed via neonicotinoid seed treatments, is now being targeted with RNA-based resistance. Dennis Rahenbrock et al. report dsRNA designed from small RNA sequencing effectively reduced BtMV in sugar beet and N. benthamiana in the greenhouse: doi.org/10.1094/MPMI...
![Fig. 5.
Detection of beet mosaic virus (BtMV)-derived A, nuclear inclusion body b double-stranded RNA (dsNIb) and B, P1 double-stranded RNA (dsP1) after mechanical application on Beta vulgaris in treated (local) and untreated (systemic) leaves at different time points (1 h after application [hpi], 2 and 7 days after application [dpi]) by RT-PCR. Mock-inoculated plants were treated only with carborundum and water. M, DNA marker (GeneRuler 100 bp DNA Ladder, Thermo Fisher Scientific).](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:ypn4w5ifq3ag6mlwd4rd5t2j/bafkreiboq64a7oikqlbg5gk4v47yfjftuxu2rjgyfhzdjhaoxmck4p22yu@jpeg)
September 22, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Beet mosaic virus (BtMV), once managed via neonicotinoid seed treatments, is now being targeted with RNA-based resistance. Dennis Rahenbrock et al. report dsRNA designed from small RNA sequencing effectively reduced BtMV in sugar beet and N. benthamiana in the greenhouse: doi.org/10.1094/MPMI...
Deadline extended: Submit to the forthcoming MPMI focus issue by November 1, 2025! 🚨
New call for papers alert 🚨🌱🦠 Submit to the "Symbiotic and Pathogenic Interactions in the Rhizosphere" focus issue by September 1, 2025!
Focus Issue Guest Editors: Tarek Hewezi, Hari Krishnan, Kevin Garcia, and Mina Ohtsu
Learn more: apsjournals.apsnet.org/mpmirhizosph...
Focus Issue Guest Editors: Tarek Hewezi, Hari Krishnan, Kevin Garcia, and Mina Ohtsu
Learn more: apsjournals.apsnet.org/mpmirhizosph...
September 8, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Deadline extended: Submit to the forthcoming MPMI focus issue by November 1, 2025! 🚨
New interactions review on Verticillium longisporum, the cause of stripe disease in Brassica crops. Rafiei, Dixelius & Tzelepis outline the pathogenicity factors, host immune responses, knowledge gaps, and molecular tools for studying this threat.
Read the full article here: doi.org/10.1094/MPMI...
Read the full article here: doi.org/10.1094/MPMI...
September 3, 2025 at 6:12 PM
New interactions review on Verticillium longisporum, the cause of stripe disease in Brassica crops. Rafiei, Dixelius & Tzelepis outline the pathogenicity factors, host immune responses, knowledge gaps, and molecular tools for studying this threat.
Read the full article here: doi.org/10.1094/MPMI...
Read the full article here: doi.org/10.1094/MPMI...
In Sinorhizobium meliloti, loss of the carbon metabolism blocks symbiosis with alfalfa. Kaur et al. demonstrate that disrupting the key metabolic enzyme transketolase (tktA) in S. meliloti completely impairs its ability to engage in nitrogen-fixing symbiosis with alfalfa: doi.org/10.1094/MPMI...
August 29, 2025 at 4:05 PM
In Sinorhizobium meliloti, loss of the carbon metabolism blocks symbiosis with alfalfa. Kaur et al. demonstrate that disrupting the key metabolic enzyme transketolase (tktA) in S. meliloti completely impairs its ability to engage in nitrogen-fixing symbiosis with alfalfa: doi.org/10.1094/MPMI...
Crops often lack diverse resistance genes, making them vulnerable to rapidly evolving pathogens. Xiaoxiao Zhang et al. used DNA shuffling on barley Mla7 and Mla13 genes to create MLA variants, some gaining the ability to recognize the powdery mildew effector AVRA13: doi.org/10.1094/MPMI...
August 19, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Crops often lack diverse resistance genes, making them vulnerable to rapidly evolving pathogens. Xiaoxiao Zhang et al. used DNA shuffling on barley Mla7 and Mla13 genes to create MLA variants, some gaining the ability to recognize the powdery mildew effector AVRA13: doi.org/10.1094/MPMI...
Deadline approaching—submit to the forthcoming focus issue by September 1!
New call for papers alert 🚨🌱🦠 Submit to the "Symbiotic and Pathogenic Interactions in the Rhizosphere" focus issue by September 1, 2025!
Focus Issue Guest Editors: Tarek Hewezi, Hari Krishnan, Kevin Garcia, and Mina Ohtsu
Learn more: apsjournals.apsnet.org/mpmirhizosph...
Focus Issue Guest Editors: Tarek Hewezi, Hari Krishnan, Kevin Garcia, and Mina Ohtsu
Learn more: apsjournals.apsnet.org/mpmirhizosph...
August 8, 2025 at 5:42 PM
Deadline approaching—submit to the forthcoming focus issue by September 1!
Editor’s Pick! The cassava pathogen Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. manihotis (Xpm) causes severe disease, but its effector functions are not well understood. Diana Gómez De La Cruz et al. show that the Xpm effector XopAE suppresses plant defenses. Learn more: doi.org/10.1094/MPMI...
July 28, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Editor’s Pick! The cassava pathogen Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. manihotis (Xpm) causes severe disease, but its effector functions are not well understood. Diana Gómez De La Cruz et al. show that the Xpm effector XopAE suppresses plant defenses. Learn more: doi.org/10.1094/MPMI...
A breakthrough for potatoes: Samodya K. Jayasinghe et al. identify salicylic acid as a key defense hormone against Spongospora subterranea f. sp. subterranea, a persistent soilborne protist threatening yields around the world. 🥔
Read the press release to learn more: www.apsnet.org/about/newsro...
Read the press release to learn more: www.apsnet.org/about/newsro...
July 23, 2025 at 8:02 PM
A breakthrough for potatoes: Samodya K. Jayasinghe et al. identify salicylic acid as a key defense hormone against Spongospora subterranea f. sp. subterranea, a persistent soilborne protist threatening yields around the world. 🥔
Read the press release to learn more: www.apsnet.org/about/newsro...
Read the press release to learn more: www.apsnet.org/about/newsro...
Reposted by Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions® (MPMI)
Our commentary on how a virus infection delays flowering published in MPMI titled "A Viral Brake on Bloom: BYDV-GAV Delays Flowering via VOZ Degradation" | Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions® apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/10.1094/...
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#plantvirus
#BYDV
#virusinfection
@mpmijournal.bsky.social
#plantvirus
#BYDV
#virusinfection
A Viral Brake on Bloom: BYDV-GAV Delays Flowering via VOZ Degradation | Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions®
apsjournals.apsnet.org
June 29, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Our commentary on how a virus infection delays flowering published in MPMI titled "A Viral Brake on Bloom: BYDV-GAV Delays Flowering via VOZ Degradation" | Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions® apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/10.1094/...
@mpmijournal.bsky.social
#plantvirus
#BYDV
#virusinfection
@mpmijournal.bsky.social
#plantvirus
#BYDV
#virusinfection
Haider Ali, Megan C. McDonald, and Graeme J. Kettles developed a rapid forward genetics methodology to identify genes that enable Zymoseptoria tritici to gain virulence on previously resistant wheat varieties. Learn more: doi.org/10.1094/MPMI...
June 12, 2025 at 9:46 PM
Haider Ali, Megan C. McDonald, and Graeme J. Kettles developed a rapid forward genetics methodology to identify genes that enable Zymoseptoria tritici to gain virulence on previously resistant wheat varieties. Learn more: doi.org/10.1094/MPMI...
Eliza P. I. Loo et al. discuss gaps in information acquisition and transfer between the field and laboratory and indicate that collaboration among stakeholders, scientists, farmers, and policymakers could enhance the development of pathogen-resistant crops. doi.org/10.1094/MPMI...
May 19, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Eliza P. I. Loo et al. discuss gaps in information acquisition and transfer between the field and laboratory and indicate that collaboration among stakeholders, scientists, farmers, and policymakers could enhance the development of pathogen-resistant crops. doi.org/10.1094/MPMI...