Ornithine decarboxylase gene (CaODC1) is specifically induced during TMV-mediated but salicylate-independent resistant response in hot pepper.

A gene encoding putative ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) has been isolated by differential screening of a cDNA library from the resistant hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) inoculated with avirulent tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) pathotype P0. In hot pepper plants, transcripts of the CaODC1 (C. annuum ODC1) gene started to accumulate at 24 h post-inoculation of TMV-P0 and the signal was spread systemically. The transcript level of CaODC1 was increased rapidly in a hot pepper resistant to Xanthomonas campestris pv. vesicatoria (Xcv) but not in a susceptible hot pepper after inoculation. These results suggest possible role(s) for CaODC1 in plant defense against a broad range of pathogens including viruses and bacteria.