METHOD OF USINF MAPK4 AND ORTHOLOGUES THEREOF TO CONTROL PLANT DISEASE AND PLANTGROWTH

摘要

Uses of MAPK4, a member of the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase family, are provided herein, based on the discovery that the MAPK4 negatively regulates the expression of genes associated with disease (e.g. PR-genes) and wound responses in plants such that the loss of MAPK4 function leads to their derepression. Methods are disclosed for controlling the growth of a plant and/or the expression of at least one wounding or pathogen response gene in said plant, the method comprising altering in the plant the level of the gene product of a MAPK4 gene. Furthermore, transgenic plants transformed with an MAPK4 construct and having enhanced wound and/or disease resistance are disclosed.