Kiwifruits now stand a chance against canker disease!
Amaka Ifeduba, Ph.D.
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In kiwifruit orchards worldwide, the bacterial plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae biovar 3 (Psa3) causes devastating canker disease. The global impact of this disease, with symptoms including blossom necrosis, cane dieback, trunk/cane bleeding, cankerous growths, and necrotic leaf spots, is a cause for concern and engagement. To?address this challenge, scientists have turned to gene editing as a promising solution.
A recent study published in?Plant, Cell & Environment?revealed that NbPTR1a?gene confers resistance against?Pseudomonas syringae?pv.?actinidiae?biovar 3 (Psa3) infection in kiwifruit. Using gene editing technologies, the researchers developed an approach to bolster kiwifruit's natural defenses against Psa3. They discovered that the nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat receptor NbPTR1 recognizes the Psa3 effector protein HopZ5 originally identified to trigger immunity in Nicotiana benthamiana.
Through precise genetic modifications, they successfully introduced NbPTR1 into susceptible kiwifruit varieties, including A. chinensis var. chinensis ‘Hort16A’. After evaluating the impact of overexpressing the NbPTR1a gene, the study found that the transgenic plants expressing NbPTR1a?showed moderate to high survival rates and resistance to Psa3, compared to the wild type. Plants expressing NbPTR1a?conferred resistance to Psa3 in immature tissue culture and mature glasshouse-grown plants.
Using gene editing technologies to enhance crop resilience against pathogens like Psa3 marks a significant advancement in agricultural innovation. Strengthening kiwifruit's natural defenses is crucial in ensuring global sustainable production, as it enables farmers to safeguard yields against disease outbreaks.
Read the journal article in?Plant, Cell & Environment for more information.
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1 个月Great health benefits. Looks like I'll have to try it.
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1 个月Very informative Amaka Ifeduba, Ph.D. I will try it out .
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1 个月Great innovation ?? Can they be found in Nigeria, Coach Amaka Ifeduba, Ph.D. ?
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1 个月Never tasted it. It doesn't look inviting ?? Now that I hear of its potential from you, I will take an adventure in 2050 ??