Histamine: A key compound in red light‐enhanced <i>Fusarium verticillioides</i> resistance in maize

In this study, we demonstrate that red light is the most critical light component for promoting healthy maize growth during <i>Fusarium verticillioides</i> infection. Red light receptors <i>PHYTOCHROME B</i> (<i>PHYB</i>) and <i>C</i> (<i>PHYC</i>) play essential roles in maize defense against this pathogen. Overexpression of <i>PHYC</i> in maize enhances resistance to <i>F. verticillioides</i>. Additionally, we identified two defense-related gene networks and some metabolites that reliant on <i>PHYC</i>s, involving key contributors such as <i>WRKY</i> transcription factors and metabolites like histamine and thiamine. Notably, the application of 50 μM histamine significantly boosts resistance, particularly under high-density conditions, marking the first report of the role of histamine in disease resistance in plants.