Loss-of-function of LIGULELESS1 activates the jasmonate pathway and promotes maize resistance to corn leaf aphids

Abstract

Corn leaf aphids (Rhopalosiphum maidis) are highly destructive pests of maize (Zea mays) that threaten growth and seed yield, but resources for aphid resistance are scarce. Here, we identified an aphid-resistant maize mutant, resistance to aphids 1 (rta1), which is allelic to LIGULELESS1 (LG1). We confirmed LG1's role in aphid resistance using the independent allele lg1-2, allelism tests and LG1 overexpression lines. LG1 interacts with, and increases the stability of ZINC-FINGER PROTEIN EXPRESSED IN INFLORESCENCE MERISTEM (ZIM1), a central component of the jasmonic acid (JA) signalling pathway, by disturbing its interaction with the F-box protein CORONATINE INSENSITIVE 1a (COI1a). Natural variation in the LG1 promoter was associated with aphid resistance among inbred lines. Moreover, a loss-of-function mutant in the LG1-related gene SPL8 in the dicot Arabidopsis thaliana conferred aphid resistance. This study revealed the aphid resistance mechanism of lg1, providing a theoretical basis and germplasm for breeding aphid-resistant crops.