A WRKY transcription factor confers broad-spectrum resistance to biotic stresses and yield stability in rice.

Abstract

Plants are subject to attack by diverse pests and pathogens. Few genes conferring broad-spectrum resistance to both insects and pathogens have been identified. Because of the growth-defense tradeoff, it is often challenging to balance biotic stress resistance and yield for crops. Here, we report that <i>OsWRKY36</i> suppresses the resistance to insects and pathogens via transcriptional repression of <i>Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyases</i> (<i>PALs</i>), a key enzyme in phenylpropanoid pathway in rice. Knocking out <i>OsWRKY36</i> causes elevated lignin biosynthesis and increased sclerenchyma thickness of leaf sheath, leading to enhanced resistance to multiple pests and pathogens. Additionally, loss of <i>OsWRKY36</i> also derepresses the transcription of <i>Ideal Plant Architecture 1</i> (<i>IPA1</i>) and <i>MONOCULM2</i> (<i>MOC2</i>), resulting in increased spikelet number per panicle and tiller number. These findings provide mechanistic insights into biotic stress tolerance in rice and offer a promising strategy to breed rice cultivars with broad-spectrum resistance to insects and pathogens while maintaining stable yield.