WRKY18 — Capsicum annuum

Summary

CaWRKY18 (T459_17545) on pepper chromosome 6 encodes a WRKY family transcription factor with sequence-specific DNA binding and transcription factor activity. It is associated with diverse biological processes including regulation of photosynthesis, anthocyanin metabolism, auxin biosynthesis, gibberellin metabolism, leaf senescence, thermomorphogenesis, and stomatal movement mediated by abscisic acid. The gene is linked to responses to red/far-red light, water immersion stress, and antifungal innate immunity. Associations with agronomic traits include submergence tolerance, seedling cotyledon size, leaf area, fruit set, peduncle length, heterosis, phosphorus and nitrate uptake, transpiration rate, and responses to temperature stress, water stress, powdery mildew, and insect damage. Related genes in other species are linked to bacterial wilt resistance, heat tolerance, and defense signaling.