Defense Responses of Corn (Zea mays) to Spodoptera frugiperda Infestation: Role of Salicylic Acid-Mediated Signaling and Antioxidant Enzyme Activation
Supervisor Name
RANA Samara
Supervisor Email
r.samara@ptuk.edu.ps
University
Palestine Technical University
Research field
Agricultural Science
Bio
Rana Samara is a distinguished Professor of Entomology at Palestine Technical University-Kadoorie (PTUK). She is known for her exceptional contributions to biological control, crop protection, and agricultural sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in Entomology and Biological Control from the University of Hohenheim, Germany, an M.Sc. in Entomology, and a B.Sc. in Plant Protection from the University of Jordan. Prof. Samara's career spans over 20 years of teaching and research, during which she has significantly enhanced academic curricula and supervised numerous graduate and undergraduate students. Prof. Samara's administrative roles have served as Dean of Scientific Research, Director of the Kadoorie Agricultural Research Center, and University President Assistant for International Academic Affairs at PTUK. Her leadership extends to serving on prestigious advisory boards, including the Palestinian-German Science Bridge (PGSB) and Horizon 2020 programs. She has also led various committees on graduate research, scientific publications, and institutional development. Prof. Samara's research expertise includes environmental risk assessments, pest management strategies, and innovative approaches to biological pest control. Her prolific academic output includes over 50 peer-reviewed publications and presentations at national and international conferences. Her work on plant-pest interactions, essential oils, and virus transmission in crops has contributed to advancing knowledge in agricultural resilience and food security. In addition to her academic roles, Prof. Samara has served as a consultant and trainer for major international organizations, including the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), where she led initiatives such as emergency preparedness for combating Fall Armyworm and training of trainers (ToT) programs that empowered hundreds of young professionals in the agricultural sector. Prof. Samara is recognized with numerous awards, including the Palestinian American Research Center (PARC) and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). She continues to impact her field through interdisciplinary collaboration and research excellence. She fosters partnerships that bridge academic institutions, government agencies, and industry stakeholders, contributing to sustainable agricultural development and scientific innovation.
Description
Spodoptera frugiperda is a major lepidopteran pest causing significant yield losses in corn (Zea mays). Plant defense mechanisms, particularly the salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathway, play a crucial role in modulating biochemical responses against herbivory. This study investigates the activation of antioxidant enzymes—peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and phenol oxidase (POX)—in corn leaves subjected to S. frugiperda infestation, and examines their correlation with SA-mediated defense signaling. Leaf samples from infested and control plants were analyzed for enzyme activity and SA levels. Results are expected to elucidate how S. frugiperda triggers oxidative stress and how SA signaling orchestrates enzymatic defenses, providing insights for breeding or management strategies aimed at enhancing corn resistance to herbivory. Understanding these defense pathways may contribute to sustainable pest management and reduction of crop losses in affected regions. The objectives of this research project are to investigate the role of SA-mediated signalling in activating antioxidant defence enzymes in maize under S. frugiperda infestation and to identify potential biochemical markers for enhanced resistance. Novel approach using an integrated SA signalling analysis with enzymatic defence profiling in maize against S. frugiperda, providing mechanistic insights rarely explored in current studies. This approach had a sustainable Impact, with the results informing breeding programs and integrated pest management strategies, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. Identified biochemical markers can guide rapid screening of resistant maize varieties suitable for diverse agro-ecological zones, and recommendations for developing maize varieties with enhanced pest resistance. These funds will support controlled experiments, biochemical assays, consumables, lab personnel, and data analysis to produce actionable results that contribute to food security and sustainable agriculture in pest-affected regions.
