More than 70 families of genes that encode proteins with secretion signals have been identified and characterized from Hessian fly [Mayetiola destructor(Say)] salivary glands. Structural analysis revealed that these elicitor genes are clustered within short chromosome regions, forming functional genomic units similar to pathogenicity islands found in Human and plant pathogens. All these genes are either exclusively or predominantly expressed in the salivary glands of the first instar larvae, a critical stage that determines whether an interaction with a specific wheat cultivar is compatible or incompatible. The unusual structure, unique expression profile, and highly polymorphic nature of these elicitor genes suggest that they are likely the determinants of virulent/avirulent phenotypes associated with different biotypes against different resistance genes.
Species 1: Diptera Cecidomyiidae Mayetiola destructor (Hessian fly)
Keywords: elicitor genes, salivary gland
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