Interactive signal transfer in the leaf apoplast between host and pathogen during successful infection

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The aim of this project is to unravel electrophysiological changes in compatible interactions of barley with pathogenic and mutualistic fungi. In leaves of different barley genotypes, which are susceptible to infection by biotrophic (e.g. Blumeria graminis) or hemibiotrophic fungi (e.g. Bipolaris sorokiniana], as well as in leaves of super-susceptible transgenic barley (expressing the constitutively activated RACBG15V), and in leaves from Piriformospora indica-infested plants, a novel non-invasive micro-probe technique is applied to measure in vivo the interactive signal transfer between host and pathogen directly within the apoplast. Ion-selective microelectrodes are inserted into substomatal cavities to detect changes in apoplastic ion activities that occur through the activity of the pathogen, the host or both within minutes, hours or days after infection without disturbing either of the partners. Through nano-infusion of selected effectors the action of both host and pathogen will be influenced and monitored continuously. Special emphasis is put on the question how the pathogen overcomes defence measures of the host and/or how these measures are avoided, and how transporters of organic substrates are manipulated or reprogrammed before haustoria are formed.