FpCDP1 From <i>Fusarium pseudograminearum</i> Is Recognized as a Novel Pathogen‐Associated Molecular Pattern That Induces Plant Immunity

Fusarium crown rot, caused by Fusarium pseudograminearum (F. pseudograminearum), poses a significant threat to wheat production in China. Growing evidence suggests that Fusarium secretes a large number of effectors into host, but the biological function of these effectors remains poorly understood. Additionally, the effectors in F. pseudograminearum have not been reported. In this study, we elucidate the role of F. pseudograminearum Cell Death-induced Protein 1 (FpCDP1) from the secretome of F. pseudograminearum, in triggering plant immunity by inducing cell death, oxidative burst and PTI response. FpCDP1 emerges as a conserved pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) across various fungi, eliciting immune responses in different plants. Moreover, we demonstrated that FpCDP1 elicits intercellular defence responses in a BAK1-dependent manner in Nicotiana benthamiana. Furthermore, we identified a 21-amino-acid peptide capable of stimulating plant immune responses. Interestingly, while FpCDP1 induces plant immunity, it is also indispensable for the full virulence of F. pseudograminearum infecting wheat. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the interaction mechanism between F. pseudograminearum and wheat.