Scientists Introduce a Novel Method to Protect Plants from Viruses

Scientists from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg were able to develop a method that could find substances tailored specifically to a virus. Using this method, they were able to develop novel RNA or DNA-based substances that can protect plants against viruses. The findings of their study are published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

Over the years, Professor Sven-Erik Behrens and his team have dedicated efforts to developing strategies aimed at interfering with the process of viral infection in plants and degrading viral RNA molecules within the cells. In their study, the researchers described the "antisense" method, which relies on short synthetically produced DNA molecules called antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs). In plant cells, the ASOs direct cellular enzymes acting like scissors to target and degrade foreign RNA.

In the past, the research team successfully devised a technique for identifying suitable and accessible sites in viral RNA. Using the same approach for ASOs, they observed up to 90% success rate in protecting the plants from viral infection. Professor Behrens hopes to fine-tune the approach and explore other applications of the newly discovered methods.

For more information, read the article from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg.