The Influence of Light on Mnium cuspidatum Responses to Pathogen Infection

Indianapolis, IN

Mosses, non-vascular plants, are one of the oldest groups of land plants, yet little is known about the defense mechanisms that have allowed them to be masters of survival. A more studied groups of plants, vascular plants, exhibit hypersensitive response (HR) which defends against immediate pathogen attack. Once challenged by a pathogen, systemic acquired resistance (SAR) may result, providing the plant better protection upon subsequent attacks. Studies have suggested that light plays a crucial role in initiating these defense responses but light's role in many plant species' defense mechanisms is unknown. Light mediated defense mechanisms of the moss species Mnium cuspidatum are unknown. By using the fungal pathogen Pythium irregulare the defense responses of Mnium can be studied.