Mechanoperception of Wind as a Modulator of Plant Immunity and Plant–Microorganism Interactions

These temperature variations are associated with changes in atmospheric pressure, leading to modifications in wind intensity and frequency. Our recent research have revealed a major effect of wind on plant immune resistance, an effect that depends on the quantity of mechanical signals perceived by the plant.

For most tested genotypes, low levels of mechanical stimulation lead to a collapse of the plant defense system, whereas higher levels of stimulation markedly enhance immune resistance. This phenotypic analysis suggests that plant acclimation (defense collapse) and sensitization (enhanced defense) to mechanical signals are key underlying mechanisms. A better understanding of these processes is required to ultimately enable the selection of plants capable of exploiting wind as a beneficial factor to strengthen their immune response.

The objective of this PhD project is to investigate, through modelling approaches, the role of wind in the modulation of plant immune responses and to identify molecular actors involved in the variability of resistance associated with acclimation and sensitization. This interdisciplinary project is centered on modelling and integrates biomechanics, phenotyping, and transcriptomic data analysis through regulatory network inference.

Contact

• Adele Coppel