Rice momilactone gene cluster: transcriptional response to barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli)

Expression of genes involved in diterpene biosynthesis, especially momilactone and gibberellins (GAs), in rice plants (Oryza sativa L.) in response to barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli) stress was examined. The three analyzed class II diterpene synthases had the highest fold change expression. Transcription patterns of genes for two homologs of momilactone synthases, OsMAS and OsMAS2, suggests their distinct roles in response to the presence of barnyard grass.