Induction of Β-1,3-Glucanase in Barley in Response to Infection by Fungal Pathogens. W. Jutidamron-gphan. Department of Biochemistry, The University of Queensland, 4072, Australia. J. B. Andersen(2), G. Mackinnon(1), J. M. Manners(3), R. S. Simpson(1), and K. J. Scott(1). (1)Department of Biochemistry, The University of Queensland, 4072, Australia; (2)Department of Plant Pathology, Agricultural University, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871 Frederiksberg C, Denmark; (3)Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Division of Tropical Crops and Pastures-UQ Plant Pathology Unit, Department of Botany, The University of Queensland, 4072, Australia.. MPMI 4:234-238. Accepted 7 December 1990. This article is in the public domain and not copyrightable. It may be freely reprinted with customary crediting of the source. The American Phytopathological Society, 1991..

The sequence of a partial cDNA clone corresponding to an mRNA induced in leaves of barley (Hordeum vulgare) by infection with fungal pathogens matched almost perfectly with that of a cDNA clone coding for Β-1,3-glucanase isolated from the scutellum of barley. Western blot analysis of intercellular proteins from near-isogenic barley lines inoculated with the powdery mildew fungus (Erysiphe graminis f. sp. hordei) showed a strong induction of glucanase in all inoculated lines but was most pronounced in two resistant lines. These data were confirmed by Β-1,3-glucanase assays. The barley cDNA was used as a hybridization probe to detect mRNAs in barley, wheat (Triticum aestivum), rice (Oryza sativus), and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), which are induced by infection with the necrotrophic pathogen Bipolaris sorokiniana. These results demonstrate that activation of Β-1,3-glucanase genes may be a general response of cereals to infection by fungal pathogens.