A light-dependent molecular link between competition cues and defense responses in plants

One of the principal internal signals controlling plant growth and defense is jasmonate (JA), a potent growth inhibitor that is simultaneously a central regulator of plant immunity to herbivores and pathogens. When shade-intolerant plants perceive the proximity of competitors using the photoreceptor phytochrome B (phyB), they accelerate growth and down-regulate JA responses. However, the mechanisms by which photoreceptors relay light cues to the JA signaling pathway are not understood. Here we identify a sulfotransferase (ST2a) that is strongly up-regulated by plant proximity perceived by phyB via the phyB-Phytochrome Interacting Factor (PIF) signaling module. By catalyzing the formation of a sulfated JA derivative, ST2a acts to degrade bioactive forms of JA and represents a direct molecular link between photoreceptors and hormone signaling in plants. The enzyme provides a molecular mechanism for prioritizing shade avoidance over defense under close plant competition.