Yusypovych Y. The role of defensins in resistance of Scots pine to phytopathogenic fungi

Object of research - healthy and infected plants pine of different ages and pine stands affected by root sponge. Purpose - to determine the features defensins gene expression in Scots pine tissues under normal conditions and under the influence of phytohormones and pathogenic fungi (Heterobasidion annosum (Fr.) Bref. and Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht.), and to identify Scots pine genotypes of different resistance to fungal infections by defensins genes. Research methods - analytical and biochemicals, bioinformatics, genetic engineering, immunology, mycological, molecular, phytopathological, statistics. Scientific novelty - the cDNA nucleotide sequences of defensin genes PsDef3 and PsDef4 were cloned and sequenced, which are deposited in the GenBank. Expression profiles of different defensin genes in vegetative and generative organs of Scots pine at different stages of ontogeny was defined. High expression levels of defensins in the cortex and the roots of young and mature pine trees was identified. Enhanced expression levels of defensin genes in Scots pine tissues for the actions of phytohormones and pathogenic fungi Heterobasidion annosum and Fusarium oxysporum were found. The features of the spread of root sponges in pine wood and pine stands with identification of pathogen DNA in wood cores was done. Practical value - a method of estimating the potential resistance to pine pathogenic lesions by determining the content of defensins in seeds ELISA method. A molecular genetic method for early diagnosis of infected pine trees by root sponge was developed. Labeling of Scots pine genotypes with different resistance to infection and lesion to root sponge for genes defensins was suggested. Area of application: forestry.