RNAi to Combat the Rice Tungro Virus
March 7, 2008| |
Rice tungro disease remains a serious problem in the rice cultivating regions of South and Southeast Asia. It is believed to be responsible for annual loses nearing US$10 billion. The disease is caused by the simultaneous infection of two viruses: the rice tungro bacilliform virus (RTBV) and the rice tungro spherical virus (RTSV). Scientists from the University of South Delhi in India employed RNA interference to confer resistance against RTBV.
The scientists have developed a transgenic rice line with decreased viral DNA accumulation following challenge inoculation with the virus. The result of the study represents an important step in the development of tungro resistance in rice suitable for Indian conditions. The lines can be used as an important breeding material for transferring the transgene to different rice varieties, especially those with good agronomic properties.
The abstract of the paper published by the journal Transgenic Research is available at http://www.springerlink.com/content/58g8761t963q45u7/?p=a828bd9089ff47c9aac798d60d0b7052&pi=1
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