Major transcriptome reprogramming underlies floral mimicry induced by the rust fungus Puccinia monoica in Boechera stricta.
Pucciniamonoica is a spectacular plant parasitic rust fungus that triggers the formation of flower-like structures (pseudoflowers) in its Brassicaceae host plant Boecherastricta.Pseudoflowers mimic in shape, color, nectar and scent co-occurring and unrelated flowers such as buttercups.They act to attract insects thereby aiding spore dispersal and s