A transcription factor SlWRKY71 activated the H 2 S generating enzyme SlDCD1 enhancing the response to Pseudomonas syringae pv DC3000 in tomato leaves

Summary H 2 S is a well‐known gaseous signaling molecule that plays important roles in plant response to biotic stresses. Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato ( Pst ) could cause enormous loss, while whether H 2 S could modulate plant defense against Pst is still unclear. By CRISPR/Cas9, the Sldcd1 gene editing mutant showed reduced endogenous H 2 S content and attenuated resistance, whereas treatment with exogenous H 2 S could enhance the resistance. A transcription factor, SlWRKY71, was screened and identified to promote the transcription of SlDCD1 via yeast one‐hybrid, dual‐luciferase reporter system, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, and transient overexpression. Here, it was found that exogenous H 2 S relieved the symptoms of bacterial speck disease in tomato leaves, conferring tolerance to Pst . DC3000, and the expression of the H 2 S‐producing enzyme SlDCD1 was significantly induced. The Slwrky71 mutant also showed reduced defense in tomato leaves against Pst . DC3000, whereas SlWRKY71‐ OE tomato leaves showed increased tolerance. Transient overexpression of SlDCD1 in the context of Slwrky71 with exogenous H 2 S treatment has stronger resistance, and the overexpression of SlWRKY71 in the context of Sldcd1 showed relatively weak disease resistance, and with the addition of H 2 S enhanced the effect. Therefore, we concluded that SlWRKY71 could activate SlDCD1 expression and promote endogenous H 2 S production, thereby improving tomato leaves resistance to Pst . DC3000.