Melanie Mendel et al. developed a new Type 3 Secretion System (T3SS) tool to study how Pseudomonas syringae effectors invade spinach. They identified AvrE1 and HopM1 as key virulence factors. This is a vital step for breeding disease-resistant leafy greens. Learn more:

Rikky Rai and @NWangUF report that Xanthomonas effector PthA4 indirectly triggers the disease by activating a host gene (CsLOB1), which then switches on plant genes (CsEXP2 and CsEG1) that lead to the destructive canker symptoms. This pinpoints new targets for breeding

Jana Sperschneider et al. reported a new, high-quality genome assembly of the flax rust fungus (Melampsora lini) resolved complex effector loci and confirmed 2 unusually large effector proteins, AvrM3 and AvrN. This challenges the standard idea that effectors must be small.

Nicholas Rhoades et al. identified an RGAE homolog in Fusarium graminearum that is critical for the initial infection and DON mycotoxin accumulation in wheat and barley. Targeting this single effector gene, FgRGAE, offers a powerful new strategy to protect cereal crops. Read the

Christian Mandelli and Laurent G. Deluc identified 9 "hotspots" on the Grapevine Red Blotch Virus genome that are highly targeted by the grapevine's defense system. Delivering double-stranded RNA from these sites significantly reduced viral expression, paving the way for targeted

Editor’s Pick! Xiaoxiao Zhang et al. reports that flax rust effectors are secreted into a space outside the host cell, but only AvrM has the key signal for delivery into the host cell cytoplasm. Translocation is a separate process! Read the article here: https://t.co/um4UyXdfwo

Editor’s Pick! Po-Yuan Shih et al. found that the pea aphid's specialized salivary effector protein, Ap4, interacts directly with key pea proteins (PsBPL1/2) involved in plant immunity. When expressed, Ap4 enhances aphid performance. Read the article here: https://t.co/f6VsLJl8RQ

Get a First Look 🔍: "STT3A Is Required for Recognition of Pathogen-Derived Sphingolipids in Arabidopsis," by Seowon Choi et al.

Pea Aphid's Secret Weapon Uncovered! 🤫 Our Commentary highlights the breakthrough discovery of aphid effector Ap4—a single salivary protein—that manipulates plant's defense system to boost pest's reproductive success. https://t.co/8k8enRF36Z @MeenuSR2023 @MPMIjournal #aphid

Just Published: "The TALE PthA4 of Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri Indirectly Activates an Expansin Gene CsEXP2 and an Endoglucanase CsEG1 via CsLOB1 to Cause Citrus Canker Symptoms," by @RikkyRai2 and @NWangUF. Learn more: https://t.co/El3VC5RSyT

Get a First Look 🔍: "Structural Insights into WY Domain-SLiM Containing Conserved RxLR Effectors: A Case Study of Five Important Phytophthora Species," by B. C. Salasini et al.

Just Published: "A Chromosome-Scale Genome Assembly of the Flax Rust Fungus Reveals the Two Unusually Large Effector Proteins, AvrM3 and AvrN," by @JSperschneider et al. Learn more: https://t.co/R4dQEracyu

Get a First Look 🔍: "Conservation of Genes Required for Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis," by @EllenKrall et al.

Just Published: "An RGAE Homolog in Fusarium graminearum Is Critical for Initial Infection in Wheat and Barley," by Nicholas Rhoades et al. 🌾 Read the full article to learn more: https://t.co/p68pPbn1th

On this #WorldFoodDay, we celebrate the efforts of those who nourish our communities, protect our planet, and shape a better future through better food for all. Explore resources to learn more about food security and sustainability. #FAO80 https://t.co/MIR3AuByHS

Get a First Look 🔍: "Dual Single-Nucleus Gene Expression Atlas of Grapevine and Erysiphe necator During Early Powdery Mildew Infection," by Maria-Sole Bonarota et al.

Just Published: "Early Activation of RNAi Reveals Genomic Regions of Grapevine Red Blotch Virus Targeted for Silencing in Grapevine," by Christian Mandelli and Laurent G. Deluc 🍇 Read the full article to learn more: https://t.co/8MVYqyKiob

Xunliang Liu and Melissa G. Mitchum profiled the transcriptome of the syncytium induced by the beet cyst nematode (BCN) Heterodera schachtii in Arabidopsis roots using laser capture microdissection and RNA sequencing. Learn more about their recent work here:

Beet mosaic virus (BtMV) is one of several viruses infecting sugar beets and was previously managed by controlling the vector Myzus persicae with neonicotinoid seed treatment. Rahenbrock et al. report the selection of target regions using small RNA high-throughput sequencing of