Overexpression of salicylic acid methyltransferase (ZmSAMT) enhances resistance to Rhopalosiphum padi in maize.
BACKGROUND Aphids are important pests of maize, including Bt-transgenic maize, and their effective management remains a major challenge. Herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs), particularly methyl salicylate (MeSA), play a critical role in mediating tritrophic interactions and plant defense in agroecosystems. Exogen...