Sera Choi

Doctor of Philosophy, (Plant Biology)
Study Completed: 2017
College of Sciences

Citation

Thesis Title
Identification and functional analysis of Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae effector-triggered immunity in Nicotiana spp. and Arabidopsis thaliana

Read article at Massey Research Online: MRO icon

Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa) is a causal agent of canker disease in commercially important cultivars of kiwifruit. Ms Choi investigated characteristics of Psa secreted effectors and resistance mechanisms for one Psa effector in particular, HopZ5, using non-host plant species, Nicotiana spp. and Arabidopsis thaliana. She discovered that multiple Psa effectors triggered cell death response in Nicotiana plants, indicating activation of plant immunity. Psa effector HopZ5, an acetyltransferase, triggered immune responses in Arabidopsis thaliana. Ms Choi examined the molecular mechanism behind these responses to HopZ5 and discovered the involvement of a plant immunity suppressor gene, SOBER1. Furthermore, using genetic analysis, she physically located the plant resistance gene for HopZ5 recognition on chromosome III in Arabidopsis. Her findings in relation to the detailed molecular mechanism of HopZ5 recognition will be critical in the future for developing resistance against Psa in kiwifruit

Supervisors
Dr Janet Reid
Dr M Templeton
Dr Greg Clark
Professor Rosie Bradshaw
Dr Kee Sohn