Study Reveals Key Gene Interaction to Strengthen Grapevine’s Resistance Against Powdery Mildew
December 10, 2025| |
Researchers from Kunming University of Science and Technology and Northwest A&F University in China have identified a key gene module in grapevine that boosts resistance to Erysiphe necator, the fungal pathogen responsible for powdery mildew. They found that the interaction between two genes, VqMAPK3 and VqERF1B, plays a crucial role in activating defense-related genes that help the plant fight infection.
The study revealed that VqERF1B, a transcription factor from the Chinese wild grape Vitis quinquangularis ‘Danfeng-2,' becomes highly active during infection. Overexpressing this gene in grape leaves increased resistance by elevating the expression of several pathogenesis-related (PR) genes. When VqERF1B was silenced, plants became more susceptible to the disease.
The researchers also discovered that VqMAPK3 directly interacts with VqERF1B, strengthening its ability to regulate PR genes. The findings show that the VqMAPK3-VqERF1B-VqPRs module confers resistance against E. necator in grapevine. This module offers a promising target for developing grapevine varieties with enhanced resistance to powdery mildew.
For more information, read the study from the Journal of Integrative Agriculture.
| |
You might also like:
- Gene-edited Grapevine Shows Resistance to Downy Mildew
- CRISPR-Cas9 for Disease Resistant Vines
- CRISPR-Cas9 Used to Study Genes Involved in Grapevine Disease Symptoms
Biotech Updates is a weekly newsletter of ISAAA, a not-for-profit organization. It is distributed for free to over 22,000 subscribers worldwide to inform them about the key developments in biosciences, especially in biotechnology. Your support will help us in our mission to feed the world with knowledge. You can help by donating as little as $10.
-
See more articles:
-
Plant
- Study Reveals Key Gene Interaction to Strengthen Grapevine’s Resistance Against Powdery Mildew
- Regulatory Authorities and Breeding Sector Call for a Food Safety Culture in Gene Editing
- EU Reaches Landmark Deal on New Genomic Techniques to Boost Agri-Food Sector
- Scientists Enhance Dominant-Negative Effect of the Gl2 Mutation for Gossypol-free Cottonseeds
- Researchers Use CRISPR to Develop Rice Plants with High Salt Resistance
- EFSA GMO Panel Releases Scientific Opinion on the Assessment of GM Maize MON 87460 for Renewal Authorization
-
Food
- Gene Editing Unlocks Commercial Potential of Goldenberry
- Scientists Find Transcription Factor MdWRKY9 Boosts Apple's Salt Tolerance
-
Read the latest: - Biotech Updates (January 21, 2026)
- Gene Editing Supplement (January 28, 2026)
- Gene Drive Supplement (February 22, 2023)
-
Subscribe to BU: - Share
- Tweet