Phytohormone profiling in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves upon mechanical damage and whitefly infestation

Jasmonic and salicylic acids are the major hormones involved in plant response to pests and pathogens. Non-invasive imaging of these hormones at the tissue and whole-organism levels has remained challenging. Here, we engineer autoluminescent plants that report activity of salicylic and jasmonic acids with up to 53-fold contrast. Using consumer-grade cameras, we image reporter Arabidopsis thaliana and Nicotiana benthamiana plants throughout normal development, and in response to attacks of pests and pathogens.