Mauch-Mani, Brigitte

2001, Jakab, Gabor, Cottier, Valérie, Toquin, Valérie, Rigoli, Ghislaine, Zimmerli, Laurent, Métraux, Jean-Pierre, Mauch-Mani, Brigitte

The broad sprectrum protective effect of the non-protein amino acid β-aminobutyric acid (BABA) against numerous plant diseases has been well-documented in the literature. Here, we present an overview of BABA-induced protection in various pathosystems. Contriidictory reports concerning the mechanism of action underlying this type of protection incited us to take advantage of Arabidopsis/pathogen interactions as model systems to investigate the action of BABA at the genetic and molecular level. We present evidence that the protective effect of BABA is due to a potentiation of natural defense mechanisms against biotic and abiotic stresses. In order to dissect the pathways involved in potentiation by BABA describe the use of a mutational approach based on BABA-induced female sterility in Arabidopsis.