# Jasmonic Acid Signals Involved in Valsa Canker Resistance Caused by C2H2-Type Transcription Factor PbeSTOP2 in Pyrus betulifolia

## TL;DR

This paper identifies a transcription factor, PbeSTOP2, that helps pear plants resist Valsa canker by boosting jasmonic acid signaling.

## Contribution

The study reveals a new C2H2-type transcription factor, PbeSTOP2, involved in Valsa canker resistance through jasmonic acid signaling.

## Key findings

- PbeSTOP2 expression is induced by Valsa canker pathogens and their metabolites.
- Overexpression of PbeSTOP2 increases resistance to Valsa canker in pear cells.
- PbeSTOP2 activates jasmonic acid and immunity-related genes, boosting disease resistance.

## Abstract

Valsa canker, a destructive necrotrophic disease caused by Valsa species (V. mali and V. pyri), threatens global apple and pear production. Resistance breeding has gained much attention because of its environmental friendliness and effectiveness, making it extremely critical to obtain key disease resistance genes. In this study, we identified that the expression of PbeSTOP2, a C2H2-type transcription factor in ‘Duli-G03’ (Pyrus betulifolia, rootstock of pear), was induced in response to signals from Vp and Vp metabolites (VpM). Transient expression in fruits and stable overexpression in suspension cells demonstrated that PbeSTOP2 enhances resistance to Vp. In overexpressing cells, genes associated with jasmonic acid (JA) and pattern-triggered immunity (PTI) signaling were upregulated, and endogenous JA and auxin (IAA) levels increased. These results revealed that JA signaling was involved in the enhanced Valsa canker resistance conferred by PbeSTOP2 overexpression. This finding on host disease resistance should facilitate the breeding efforts for Valsa canker resistance.