Articles
Uptake of dsRNA by plant pathogens: a study of dynamics and efficiency
Article number
1454_36
Pages
259 – 264
Language
English
Abstract
Essential genes of fungal pathogens can be silenced through the application of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) via RNA interference (RNAi), offering a novel, target-specific control method with reduced environmental impact.
The uptake of dsRNA is crucial for the effectiveness of RNAi and has been extensively studied in numerous insect pests, but only in a limited number of plant pathogenic microorganisms.
In this project, we aim to assess the efficiency and dynamics of dsRNA uptake in five microorganisms – Phytophthora infestans, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum, Alternaria alternata, and Clonostachys rosea. Fluorescently labeled dsRNA was used to observe uptake during the early developmental stages of all microorganisms. B. cinerea and P. infestans served as reference species, known for their high and low dsRNA uptake efficiencies, respectively.
The dsRNA uptake in A. alternata and C. rosea was comparable to that of B. cinerea, indicating high uptake efficiency.
Conversely, F. oxysporum exhibited low dsRNA uptake, similar to P. infestans. To investigate the relationship between dsRNA uptake efficiency and fungal cell wall composition, calcofluor white staining was employed.
Our findings provide valuable insights for the development of RNAi-based plant protection products.
The uptake of dsRNA is crucial for the effectiveness of RNAi and has been extensively studied in numerous insect pests, but only in a limited number of plant pathogenic microorganisms.
In this project, we aim to assess the efficiency and dynamics of dsRNA uptake in five microorganisms – Phytophthora infestans, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum, Alternaria alternata, and Clonostachys rosea. Fluorescently labeled dsRNA was used to observe uptake during the early developmental stages of all microorganisms. B. cinerea and P. infestans served as reference species, known for their high and low dsRNA uptake efficiencies, respectively.
The dsRNA uptake in A. alternata and C. rosea was comparable to that of B. cinerea, indicating high uptake efficiency.
Conversely, F. oxysporum exhibited low dsRNA uptake, similar to P. infestans. To investigate the relationship between dsRNA uptake efficiency and fungal cell wall composition, calcofluor white staining was employed.
Our findings provide valuable insights for the development of RNAi-based plant protection products.
Authors
K. Kostov, G. Smagghe
Keywords
RNAi, SIGS, gene silencing, plant protection
Groups involved
- Division Plant Genetic Resources, Breeding and Biotechnology
- Working Group Genetic Transformation and Gene Editing
- Working Group Horticultural Biotechnology and Breeding
- Division Ornamental Plants
- Division Vegetables, Roots and Tubers
- Division Temperate Tree Fruits
- Division Vine and Berry Fruits
- Division Horticulture for Development
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