Deletion of Smut Fungi Genes Determines Crop Protection
December 10, 2010| |
Scientists at the Australian National University conducted a genome-level study of two fungi Ustilago maydis and Sporisorium reilianum that infect maize, to increase understanding on how to breed more disease-resistant crop plants. Both fungi are biotrophic or feeding on living plant parts, and secrete protein effectors on maize to manipulate the host. The host's immune system reacts by forming new proteins to combat the pathogen, and the pathogen mutates as a defense.
Dr. Britta Winterberg and her team identified divergent gene clusters that code for secreted effectors in the two fungi species. Out of the 43 regions, they randomly chose six, and deleted them from the genetic code of U. maydis. Three of the deletions led to reduced virulence, one deletion increased virulence, but two deletions had no effect.
Results of this study provide additional knowledge on the mechanism of virulence of fungi and can be used in more economically important fungi, in the development of more resistant crops.
For more information, read the full text article at http://www.sciencemag.org/content/330/6010/1546.full.
| |
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:
-
News from Around the World
- Governments Meet to Advance Support on Plant Genetic Resources Treaty
- FAO DG: Transform Agriculture through Climate-Smart Practices
- CBU's 7th Set of Borlaug Medal Winners and Ipod Touch Winner
- Mali Cabinet Adopts Decree on National Biosafety Committee
- Purdue Scientists Develop a Nanoparticle with Antimicrobial Ability against Listeria
- Climate Change Could Reshape Future Crop Agriculture
- Reversing Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies by Fortifying Crops
- Resolution on Halal Status of GM Crops and Foods Adopted at Agri-biotech Workshop for Islamic Scholars
- Biotech Potato Reduces Disease Incidence and Seed Import in Bangladesh
- Bangladesh Breeds for Stress Tolerant and Nutritious Rice Through Biotech
- Global Status of Patent Protection for Transgenic Events of Major Crops
- Bringing Agri-biotech to Life in China
- Bangladesh Approves 2nd Year Field Trial of RB Potato
- Workshop to Raise Awareness about Biotechnology in Hoa Binh Province
- An Australian First for Lupin Genome Project
- University of Western Australia Receives Donation for Genome Sequencing Equipment
- Biotech Workshop for Agricultural Officials in East Java, Indonesia
- EFSA- Scientific Opinion on Renewal of Authorization of GM Soybean Event 40-3-2
- NIAB's Detection of Barley Pigment Genes, Step Towards Improving Yield and Disease Resistance
-
Research Highlights
- Scientists Report Occurrence of Natural Transgenes
- Deletion of Smut Fungi Genes Determines Crop Protection
- The Evolution of Potato Blight Pathogen
-
Resources
- Food for Thought: BIO Videos Offer Bite-Size Answers to Biotech Questions
- FAS-GAIN Report in Biotechnology in Malaysia
-
Read the latest: - Biotech Updates (October 2, 2024)
- Gene Editing Supplement (September 26, 2024)
- Gene Drive Supplement (February 22, 2023)
-
Subscribe to BU: - Share
- Tweet