Stringent response is key player in plant-microbe interaction

Bacterial SpoT-dependent SR was activated in Pectobacterium atrosepticum when pathogen infected potato as well as tobacco plants. Pba induced plastid stringent response in tobacco plants, but not in potato plants. Jasmonic acid defense pathway was activated in tobacco plants, provoking rapid maceration of plant tissues. Salicylic acid defense pathway was induced in potato plants, probably ensuring a more prolonged coexistence of the phytopathogen with its host.