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Abstract Background and AimsPlant elicitor peptides (Peps), which originate from their precursor proteins known as PROPEPs, play essential roles as signaling molecules that modulate both plant defense responses and developmental processes. MethodsIn this study, we investigated the role of PROPEP2 and its derived peptide Pep2, in regulating root hair development in Arabidopsis thaliana. Root hairs at different growth stages along the primary root and in distinct zones of the root tip were analyzed. We further examined the relationship between Pep2 and auxin signaling in regulating root hair growth. Key resultsOur findings indicate that loss of PROPEP2 function results in markedly decreased root hair number and elongation during the primary root development phase, whereas root hair formation during the embryonic root stage remains unaffected. Notably, exogenous Pep2 application rescued these defects and even induced root hair formation in non-hair-forming regions. We further demonstrated that Pep2 enhances root hair growth by stimulating localized auxin production in the root tip region. The mutants defective in auxin production (yuc1 yuc4 and wei8 tar1 tar2) failed to respond to Pep2. Furthermore, we identified the receptor-like kinases FERONIA (FER) and [Ca2+]cyt-associated protein kinase 1 (CAP1) as critical components of the Pep2 signaling pathway, with mutations in these genes impairing root hair growth and rendering plants unresponsive to Pep2. ConclusionsThese results uncover a previously uncharacterized interaction between Pep2 and auxin signaling components in the regulation of root hair development, offering additional insights into the molecular control of root morphology. 

ABSTRACT Wheat stripe rust (Puccinia striiformisf. sp.tritici,Pst) poses a catastrophic threat to global food security. While MADS‐box transcription factors regulate development and abiotic stress, their roles in plant‐pathogen immunity remain enigmatic. In this study, we identifiedTaMADS2, aPst‐induced MADS‐box gene, as a positive regulator of wheat resistance. Functional analyses demonstrated thatTaMADS2overexpression significantly enhancedPstresistance, whereas its knockdown rendered wheat more susceptible. Further investigation revealed that TaMADS2 interacts with trichome birefringence‐like protein 21 (TaTBL21) to activateglycerol kinase‐like(TaGKL) expression. SilencingTaGKLin wild‐type orTaMADS2‐overexpressing lines compromised resistance, with elevatedPstbiomass. Notably, dual silencing ofTaMADS2andTaGKLfurther heightened susceptibility, confirming their synergistic defence role. Mechanistically, the TaMADS2‐TaTBL21 complex promotes wheat resistance to stripe rust disease by upregulatingTaGKLexpression, leading to the accumulation of the key defence metabolites salicylic acid (SA) and glycerol‐3‐phosphate (G3P). Our study unveils a novel TaMADS2‐TaTBL21‐TaGKL module that potentiates wheat resistance against stripe rust, offering strategic targets for breeding resistant wheat. 

ABSTRACT Crops are continually challenged by biotic stresses, including fungal, bacterial and viral pathogens and insect pests, which cause substantial yield and quality losses worldwide. WRKY transcription factors constitute a plant‐specific and functionally diverse family that is central to immune regulation. Recent advances in genomic resources and multi‐omics approaches have accelerated the identification and functional characterisation of WRKYs in crops. This review summarises the structural features and classification ofWRKYgenes and their genome‐wide distribution across crop species. It also synthesises WRKY‐centred regulatory modules that mediate resistance to major classes of biotic stress. In antifungal defence, WRKYs reinforce pattern‐ and effector‐triggered immunity, modulate protein stability and reprogramme secondary metabolism. In antibacterial immunity, they link bacterial perception to cell wall remodelling and hormone and redox signalling. WRKYs also activatePRgene expression, cell wall fortification, RNA interference and programmed cell death to combat oomycete and viral pathogens and insect pests. Overall, WRKYs function as context‐dependent transcriptional hubs. They integrate immune signalling with hormonal crosstalk, remodel defence gene networks, and redirect secondary metabolism, thereby shaping resistance outcomes under biotic stress. The review examines WRKY‐mediated defence–growth trade‐offs and explores opportunities to harness WRKY‐centred networks for breeding and engineering broad‐spectrum, durable disease and pest resistance. It also highlights how integrating multi‐omics with precision genome editing, synthetic biology, gene‐drive technologies and artificial intelligence could establish WRKYs as central molecular targets for improving crop resilience and performance.