An apoplastic effector Uv7366 contributes to Ustilaginoidea virens virulence and elicits plant immunity.

Uv7366, an apoplastic glycoside hydrolase from Ustilaginoidea virens, enhances virulence but also triggers plant immunity, affecting rice false smut disease progression.

• Why it matters: Understanding the dual role of effectors like Uv7366 is crucial for developing effective disease control strategies, as they can both promote infection and activate plant defenses.
• What they did: Researchers characterized Uv7366 by analyzing its expression, immune response induction, and gene deletion effects, revealing its contribution to virulence and immune recognition in rice and Nicotiana benthamiana.
• The result: Deleting Uv7366 reduced U. virens virulence, while its application boosted plant defenses, offering insights into pathogen mechanisms and potential biocontrol approaches for rice false smut.