The ZmNAC41‐ZmABC‐ZmCP regulatory module mediates jasmonate‐dependent resistance to southern corn rust in maize

Plant disease resistance is often governed by complex multigene modules, yet their composition and regulation remain poorly defined. Here, we identify a maize defense module comprising the NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2, and CUC2) transcription factor ZmNAC41, the PADRE domain-containing protein ZmABC, and the cysteine protease ZmCP. This module contributes to resistance to southern corn rust (SCR) caused by Puccinia polysora and is linked to jasmonic acid (JA)-associated defense responses. Upon pathogen infection, ZmNAC41 was rapidly induced and directly activated ZmABC transcription. ZmABC physically interacted with ZmCP. Increased JA accumulation and induction of JA biosynthetic and JA-responsive genes were also observed. Silencing any one of the three genes markedly attenuated JA-associated defense responses and compromised resistance, supporting a functional contribution of all three components to maize defense. Importantly, natural variation analysis identified elite haplotypes carrying favorable alleles of ZmNAC41, ZmABC, and ZmCP, and these allele combinations were significantly associated with enhanced field resistance. Together, our findings reveal a maize defense module that integrates transcriptional regulation and protein interaction and contributes to SCR resistance in association with JA-associated defense responses. These findings provide genetic targets for breeding maize with improved resistance to SCR.