Abstract: 【Objective】A pathogen-induced ERF gene is isolated from wheat.【Method】A pathogen-induced ERF gene was isolated using RT-PCR and RACE methods. Its expression pattern in response to pathogens and hormones treatments was analyzed by semi-quantitive RT-PCR.【Result】A pathogen-induced ERF gene in wheat，tentatively designated TaERF1b, was isolated from cDNA of a wheat cv. Sumai3. The TaERF1b gene encodes a protein TaERF1b consisting of 280 amino acids. TaERF1b possesses the typical structure properties of other ERF proteins but is a new member of ERF family as the entire sequence of TaERF1b protein shares a low identity （∠36.5%）with those of other ERF proteins. The mRNA expression of TaERF1b gene was induced respectively by Rhizoctonia cerealis and Fusarium graminearum, and also induced by ethylene and methyl jasmonate (MeJA). The mRNA expression of TaERF1b induced by MeJA and ethylene was earlier than that by the pathogen infection.【Conclusion】TaERF1b is a new member to ERF family of transcription factors and may play a regulatory role in defense responses to Rhizoctonia cerealis and Fusarium graminearum through JA/ethylene- signal pathways.

Key words: Triticum aestivum (wheat), Ethylene-responsive factor (ERF) transcription factor, Rhizoctonia cerealis, Fusarium graminearum, Defense response