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Spada M, Pugliesi C, Fambrini M, Pecchia S. Challenges and Opportunities Arising from Host- Botrytis cinerea Interactions to Outline Novel and Sustainable Control Strategies: The Key Role of RNA Interference. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6798. [PMID: 38928507 PMCID: PMC11203536 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The necrotrophic plant pathogenic fungus Botrytis cinerea (Pers., 1794), the causative agent of gray mold disease, causes significant losses in agricultural production. Control of this fungal pathogen is quite difficult due to its wide host range and environmental persistence. Currently, the management of the disease is still mainly based on chemicals, which can have harmful effects not only on the environment and on human health but also because they favor the development of strains resistant to fungicides. The flexibility and plasticity of B. cinerea in challenging plant defense mechanisms and its ability to evolve strategies to escape chemicals require the development of new control strategies for successful disease management. In this review, some aspects of the host-pathogen interactions from which novel and sustainable control strategies could be developed (e.g., signaling pathways, molecules involved in plant immune mechanisms, hormones, post-transcriptional gene silencing) were analyzed. New biotechnological tools based on the use of RNA interference (RNAi) are emerging in the crop protection scenario as versatile, sustainable, effective, and environmentally friendly alternatives to the use of chemicals. RNAi-based fungicides are expected to be approved soon, although they will face several challenges before reaching the market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Spada
- Department of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudio Pugliesi
- Department of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marco Fambrini
- Department of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Susanna Pecchia
- Department of Agriculture Food and Environment, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center Nutrafood “Nutraceuticals and Food for Health”, University of Pisa, Via del Borghetto 80, 56124 Pisa, Italy
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Othmani A, Hamza H, Kadri K, Sellemi A, Leus L, Werbrouck SPO. The Promising Potential of Triploidy in Date Palm ( Phoenix dactylifera L.) Breeding. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 13:815. [PMID: 38592841 PMCID: PMC10975707 DOI: 10.3390/plants13060815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Date palms are a vital part of oasis ecosystems and are an important source of income in arid and semi-arid areas. Crossbreeding is limited due to the long juvenile stage of date palms and their dioecious nature. The aim of this study was to create triploid date palms to obtain larger and seedless fruits and to increase resilience to abiotic stresses. A tetraploid date palm mutant was crossed with a diploid male palm, yielding hundreds of seeds suspected of containing triploid embryos. Six years after planting, four palms with confirmed triploidy reached maturity. They are phenotypically distinct from diploids, with a thicker rachis, thinner spines, wider and longer midleaf spines, and a longer apical spine. They were classified as sterile bisexual, sterile male and fertile female. One of the latter produced very tasty dates with a very small seed, which is promising for the marketability and profitability of date palm fruits. This first report on triploid date palms provides a way in which to make a significant leap forward in date palm breeding. Given the vigor and fruit quality of female triploid date palms, compared to their diploid counterparts, they will be the target of breeding programs and may spearhead new oases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Othmani
- Laboratory for In Vitro Tissue Culture, Regional Centre for Research in Oasis Agriculture, Tozeur Km1, Degueche 2260, Tunisia; (A.O.); (A.S.)
- LR21AGR03-Production and Protection for Sustainable Horticulture (2-PHD), Regional Research Centre on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture Chott Mariem, University of Sousse, Sousse 4042, Tunisia
| | - Hammadi Hamza
- Arid and Oasis Cropping Laboratory, Institute of Arid Lands, Medenine 4119, Tunisia;
| | - Karim Kadri
- Biotechnology and Genetic Resources Laboratory, Regional Centre for Research in Oasis Agriculture, BO 62, Degueche 2260, Tunisia;
- Laboratory of Biotechnology Applied to Agriculture, National Institute for Agronomic Research of Tunis, University of Carthage Tunis, Ariana 2049, Tunisia
| | - Amel Sellemi
- Laboratory for In Vitro Tissue Culture, Regional Centre for Research in Oasis Agriculture, Tozeur Km1, Degueche 2260, Tunisia; (A.O.); (A.S.)
| | - Leen Leus
- Plant Sciences Unit, Flanders Research Institute for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (ILVO), Caritasstraat 39, 9090 Melle, Belgium;
| | - Stefaan P. O. Werbrouck
- Department of Plant & Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Valentin Vaerwyckweg 1, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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de los Cobos FP, García-Gómez BE, Orduña-Rubio L, Batlle I, Arús P, Matus JT, Eduardo I. Exploring large-scale gene coexpression networks in peach ( Prunus persica L.): a new tool for predicting gene function. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2024; 11:uhad294. [PMID: 38487296 PMCID: PMC10939413 DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhad294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Peach is a model for Prunus genetics and genomics, however, identifying and validating genes associated to peach breeding traits is a complex task. A gene coexpression network (GCN) capable of capturing stable gene-gene relationships would help researchers overcome the intrinsic limitations of peach genetics and genomics approaches and outline future research opportunities. In this study, we created four GCNs from 604 Illumina RNA-Seq libraries. We evaluated the performance of every GCN in predicting functional annotations using an algorithm based on the 'guilty-by-association' principle. The GCN with the best performance was COO300, encompassing 21 956 genes. To validate its performance predicting gene function, we performed two case studies. In case study 1, we used two genes involved in fruit flesh softening: the endopolygalacturonases PpPG21 and PpPG22. Genes coexpressing with both genes were extracted and referred to as melting flesh (MF) network. Finally, we performed an enrichment analysis of MF network and compared the results with the current knowledge regarding peach fruit softening. The MF network mostly included genes involved in cell wall expansion and remodeling, and with expressions triggered by ripening-related phytohormones, such as ethylene, auxin, and methyl jasmonate. In case study 2, we explored potential targets of the anthocyanin regulator PpMYB10.1 by comparing its gene-centered coexpression network with that of its grapevine orthologues, identifying a common regulatory network. These results validated COO300 as a powerful tool for peach and Prunus research. This network, renamed as PeachGCN v1.0, and the scripts required to perform a function prediction analysis are available at https://github.com/felipecobos/PeachGCN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Pérez de los Cobos
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA) , Mas Bové, Ctra. Reus-El Morell Km 3,8 43120 Constantí Tarragona, Spain
- Centre de Recerca en Agrigenòmica (CRAG), Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB. Cerdanyola del Vallès (Bellaterra), 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, Edifici CRAG, Cerdanyola del Vallès (Bellaterra), 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Beatriz E García-Gómez
- Centre de Recerca en Agrigenòmica (CRAG), Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB. Cerdanyola del Vallès (Bellaterra), 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, Edifici CRAG, Cerdanyola del Vallès (Bellaterra), 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luis Orduña-Rubio
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), Universitat de Valencia-CSIC, Paterna, 46908, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ignasi Batlle
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA) , Mas Bové, Ctra. Reus-El Morell Km 3,8 43120 Constantí Tarragona, Spain
| | - Pere Arús
- Centre de Recerca en Agrigenòmica (CRAG), Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB. Cerdanyola del Vallès (Bellaterra), 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, Edifici CRAG, Cerdanyola del Vallès (Bellaterra), 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Tomás Matus
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), Universitat de Valencia-CSIC, Paterna, 46908, Valencia, Spain
| | - Iban Eduardo
- Centre de Recerca en Agrigenòmica (CRAG), Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB. Cerdanyola del Vallès (Bellaterra), 08193 Barcelona, Spain
- Centre for Research in Agricultural Genomics (CRAG) CSIC-IRTA-UAB-UB, Campus UAB, Edifici CRAG, Cerdanyola del Vallès (Bellaterra), 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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Chaudhary D, Jeena AS, Rohit, Gaur S, Raj R, Mishra S, Kajal, Gupta OP, Meena MR. Advances in RNA Interference for Plant Functional Genomics: Unveiling Traits, Mechanisms, and Future Directions. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12010-023-04850-x. [PMID: 38175411 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-023-04850-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) is a conserved molecular mechanism that plays a critical role in post-transcriptional gene silencing across diverse organisms. This review delves into the role of RNAi in plant functional genomics and its applications in crop improvement, highlighting its mechanistic insights and practical implications. The review begins with the foundational discovery of RNAi's mechanism, tracing its origins from petunias to its widespread presence in various organisms. Various classes of regulatory non-coding small RNAs, including siRNAs, miRNAs, and phasiRNAs, have been uncovered, expanding the scope of RNAi-mediated gene regulation beyond conventional understanding. These RNA classes participate in intricate post-transcriptional and epigenetic processes that influence gene expression. In the context of crop enhancement, RNAi has emerged as a powerful tool for understanding gene functions. It has proven effective in deciphering gene roles related to stress resistance, metabolic pathways, and more. Additionally, RNAi-based approaches hold promise for integrated pest management and sustainable agriculture, contributing to global efforts in food security. This review discusses RNAi's diverse applications, such as modifying plant architecture, extending shelf life, and enhancing nutritional content in crops. The challenges and future prospects of RNAi technology, including delivery methods and biosafety concerns, are also explored. The global landscape of RNAi research is highlighted, with significant contributions from regions such as China, Europe, and North America. In conclusion, RNAi remains a versatile and pivotal tool in modern plant research, offering novel avenues for understanding gene functions and improving crop traits. Its integration with other biotechnological approaches such as gene editing holds the potential to shape the future of agriculture and sustainable food production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Chaudhary
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, G B Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, 263145, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Anand Singh Jeena
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, G B Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, 263145, Uttarakhand, India.
| | - Rohit
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, G B Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, 263145, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Sonali Gaur
- Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, G B Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, 263145, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Rishi Raj
- ICAR- Sugarcane Breeding Institute-Regional Centre, Karnal, 132001, Haryana, India
| | | | - Kajal
- Department of Biotechnology, Chandigarh University, Chandigarh, 140143, India
| | - Om Prakash Gupta
- ICAR-Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research, Karnal, 132001, Haryana, India.
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Jolliffe JB, Pilati S, Moser C, Lashbrooke JG. Beyond skin-deep: targeting the plant surface for crop improvement. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023; 74:6468-6486. [PMID: 37589495 PMCID: PMC10662250 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erad321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
The above-ground plant surface is a well-adapted tissue layer that acts as an interface between the plant and its surrounding environment. As such, its primary role is to protect against desiccation and maintain the gaseous exchange required for photosynthesis. Further, this surface layer provides a barrier against pathogens and herbivory, while attracting pollinators and agents of seed dispersal. In the context of agriculture, the plant surface is strongly linked to post-harvest crop quality and yield. The epidermal layer contains several unique cell types adapted for these functions, while the non-lignified above-ground plant organs are covered by a hydrophobic cuticular membrane. This review aims to provide an overview of the latest understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying crop cuticle and epidermal cell formation, with focus placed on genetic elements contributing towards quality, yield, drought tolerance, herbivory defence, pathogen resistance, pollinator attraction, and sterility, while highlighting the inter-relatedness of plant surface development and traits. Potential crop improvement strategies utilizing this knowledge are outlined in the context of the recent development of new breeding techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna Bryanne Jolliffe
- South African Grape and Wine Research Institute, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
- Research and Innovation Centre, Edmund Mach Foundation, San Michele all’Adige, 38098, Italy
| | - Stefania Pilati
- Research and Innovation Centre, Edmund Mach Foundation, San Michele all’Adige, 38098, Italy
| | - Claudio Moser
- Research and Innovation Centre, Edmund Mach Foundation, San Michele all’Adige, 38098, Italy
| | - Justin Graham Lashbrooke
- South African Grape and Wine Research Institute, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
- Department of Genetics, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
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Li X, Ma Z, Song Y, Shen W, Yue Q, Khan A, Tahir MM, Wang X, Malnoy M, Ma F, Bus V, Zhou S, Guan Q. Insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying responses of apple trees to abiotic stresses. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2023; 10:uhad144. [PMID: 37575656 PMCID: PMC10421731 DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhad144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Apple (Malus[Formula: see text]domestica) is a popular temperate fruit crop worldwide. However, its growth, productivity, and quality are often adversely affected by abiotic stresses such as drought, extreme temperature, and high salinity. Due to the long juvenile phase and highly heterozygous genome, the conventional breeding approaches for stress-tolerant cultivars are time-consuming and resource-intensive. These issues may be resolved by feasible molecular breeding techniques for apples, such as gene editing and marker-assisted selection. Therefore, it is necessary to acquire a more comprehensive comprehension of the molecular mechanisms underpinning apples' response to abiotic stress. In this review, we summarize the latest research progress in the molecular response of apples to abiotic stressors, including the gene expression regulation, protein modifications, and epigenetic modifications. We also provide updates on new approaches for improving apple abiotic stress tolerance, while discussing current challenges and future perspectives for apple molecular breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Ziqing Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yi Song
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Wenyun Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Qianyu Yue
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Abid Khan
- Department of Horticulture, The University of Haripur, Haripur 22620, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Mobeen Tahir
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Xiaofei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center for Fruit and Vegetable Production with High Quality and Efficiency, College of Horticulture Science and Engineering, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai-An, Shandong 271000, China
| | - Mickael Malnoy
- Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all’Adige 38098, Italy
| | - Fengwang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Vincent Bus
- The New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research Limited, Havelock North 4157, New Zealand
| | - Shuangxi Zhou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Qingmei Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas/Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Apple, College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
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Padilla-Roji I, Ruiz-Jiménez L, Bakhat N, Vielba-Fernández A, Pérez-García A, Fernández-Ortuño D. RNAi Technology: A New Path for the Research and Management of Obligate Biotrophic Phytopathogenic Fungi. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24109082. [PMID: 37240427 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24109082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Powdery mildew and rust fungi are major agricultural problems affecting many economically important crops and causing significant yield losses. These fungi are obligate biotrophic parasites that are completely dependent on their hosts for growth and reproduction. Biotrophy in these fungi is determined by the presence of haustoria, specialized fungal cells that are responsible for nutrient uptake and molecular dialogue with the host, a fact that undoubtedly complicates their study under laboratory conditions, especially in terms of genetic manipulation. RNA interference (RNAi) is the biological process of suppressing the expression of a target gene through double-stranded RNA that induces mRNA degradation. RNAi technology has revolutionized the study of these obligate biotrophic fungi by enabling the analysis of gene function in these fungal. More importantly, RNAi technology has opened new perspectives for the management of powdery mildew and rust diseases, first through the stable expression of RNAi constructs in transgenic plants and, more recently, through the non-transgenic approach called spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS). In this review, the impact of RNAi technology on the research and management of powdery mildew and rust fungi will be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Padilla-Roji
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea "La Mayora", Universidad de Málaga, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IHSM-UMA-CSIC), 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Laura Ruiz-Jiménez
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea "La Mayora", Universidad de Málaga, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IHSM-UMA-CSIC), 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Nisrine Bakhat
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea "La Mayora", Universidad de Málaga, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IHSM-UMA-CSIC), 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Alejandra Vielba-Fernández
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea "La Mayora", Universidad de Málaga, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IHSM-UMA-CSIC), 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Alejandro Pérez-García
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea "La Mayora", Universidad de Málaga, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IHSM-UMA-CSIC), 29071 Málaga, Spain
| | - Dolores Fernández-Ortuño
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Málaga, 29071 Málaga, Spain
- Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea "La Mayora", Universidad de Málaga, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IHSM-UMA-CSIC), 29071 Málaga, Spain
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Alahakoon D, Fennell A. Genetic analysis of grapevine root system architecture and loci associated gene networks. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 13:1083374. [PMID: 36816477 PMCID: PMC9932984 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1083374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Own-rooted grapevines and grapevine rootstocks are vegetatively propagated from cuttings and have an adventitious root system. Unraveling the genetic underpinnings of the adventitious root system architecture (RSA) is important for improving own-rooted and grafted grapevine sustainability for a changing climate. Grapevine RSA genetic analysis was conducted in an Vitis sp. 'VRS-F2' population. Nine root morphology, three total root system morphology, and two biomass traits that contribute to root anchorage and water and nutrient uptake were phenotyped. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis was performed using a high density integrated GBS and rhAmpSeq genetic map. Thirty-one QTL were detected for eleven of the RSA traits (surface area, root volume, total root length, fresh weight, number of tips, forks or links, longest root and average root diameter, link length, and link surface area) revealing many small effects. Several QTL were colocated on chromosomes 1, 9, 13, 18, and 19. QTL with identical peak positions on chromosomes 1 or 13 were enriched for AP2-EREBP, AS2, C2C2-CO, HMG, and MYB transcription factors, and QTL on chromosomes 9 or 13 were enriched for the ALFIN-LIKE transcription factor and regulation of autophagy pathways. QTL modeling for individual root traits identified eight models explaining 13.2 to 31.8% of the phenotypic variation. 'Seyval blanc' was the grandparent contributing to the allele models that included a greater surface area, total root length, and branching (number of forks and links) traits promoting a greater root density. In contrast, V. riparia 'Manitoba 37' contributed the allele for greater average branch length (link length) and diameter, promoting a less dense elongated root system with thicker roots. LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARY DOMAIN (LBD or AS2/LOB) and the PROTODERMAL FACTOR (PFD2 and ANL2) were identified as important candidate genes in the enriched pathways underlying the hotspots for grapevine adventitious RSA. The combined QTL hotspot and trait modeling identified transcription factors, cell cycle and circadian rhythm genes with a known role in root cell and epidermal layer differentiation, lateral root development and cortex thickness. These genes are candidates for tailoring grapevine root system texture, density and length in breeding programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anne Fennell
- Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science Department, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, United States
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9
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Nerva L, Dalla Costa L, Ciacciulli A, Sabbadini S, Pavese V, Dondini L, Vendramin E, Caboni E, Perrone I, Moglia A, Zenoni S, Michelotti V, Micali S, La Malfa S, Gentile A, Tartarini S, Mezzetti B, Botta R, Verde I, Velasco R, Malnoy MA, Licciardello C. The Role of Italy in the Use of Advanced Plant Genomic Techniques on Fruit Trees: State of the Art and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24020977. [PMID: 36674493 PMCID: PMC9861864 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24020977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Climate change is deeply impacting the food chain production, lowering quality and yield. In this context, the international scientific community has dedicated many efforts to enhancing resilience and sustainability in agriculture. Italy is among the main European producers of several fruit trees; therefore, national research centers and universities undertook several initiatives to maintain the specificity of the 'Made in Italy' label. Despite their importance, fruit crops are suffering from difficulties associated with the conventional breeding approaches, especially in terms of financial commitment, land resources availability, and long generation times. The 'new genomic techniques' (NGTs), renamed in Italy as 'technologies for assisted evolution' (TEAs), reduce the time required to obtain genetically improved cultivars while precisely targeting specific DNA sequences. This review aims to illustrate the role of the Italian scientific community in the use of NGTs, with a specific focus on Citrus, grapevine, apple, pear, chestnut, strawberry, peach, and kiwifruit. For each crop, the key genes and traits on which the scientific community is working, as well as the technological improvements and advancements on the regeneration of local varieties, are presented. Lastly, a focus is placed on the legal aspects in the European and in Italian contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Nerva
- Research Center for Viticulture and Enology, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, 31015 Conegliano, Italy
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council, 10135 Torino, Italy
| | - Lorenza Dalla Costa
- Research and Innovation Centre, Foundation Edmund Mach, 38098 San Michele all’Adige, Italy
| | - Angelo Ciacciulli
- Research Center for Olive Fruit and Citrus Crops, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, 95024 Acireale, Italy
| | - Silvia Sabbadini
- Department of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Vera Pavese
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Torino, 10095 Torino, Italy
| | - Luca Dondini
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Vendramin
- Research Center for Olive Fruit and Citrus Crops, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, 00134 Rome, Italy
| | - Emilia Caboni
- Research Center for Olive Fruit and Citrus Crops, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, 00134 Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Perrone
- Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection, National Research Council, 10135 Torino, Italy
| | - Andrea Moglia
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Torino, 10095 Torino, Italy
| | - Sara Zenoni
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Vania Michelotti
- Research Center for Genomics and Bioinformatics, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, 29017 Fiorenzuola D’Arda, Italy
| | - Sabrina Micali
- Research Center for Olive Fruit and Citrus Crops, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, 00134 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano La Malfa
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gentile
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Stefano Tartarini
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Bruno Mezzetti
- Department of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Roberto Botta
- Department of Agricultural, Forest and Food Sciences, University of Torino, 10095 Torino, Italy
| | - Ignazio Verde
- Research Center for Olive Fruit and Citrus Crops, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, 00134 Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Velasco
- Research Center for Viticulture and Enology, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, 31015 Conegliano, Italy
| | - Mickael Arnaud Malnoy
- Research and Innovation Centre, Foundation Edmund Mach, 38098 San Michele all’Adige, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.A.M.); (C.L.); Tel.: +39-04-6161-5536 (M.A.M.); +39-09-5765-3104 (C.L.)
| | - Concetta Licciardello
- Research Center for Olive Fruit and Citrus Crops, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, 95024 Acireale, Italy
- Correspondence: (M.A.M.); (C.L.); Tel.: +39-04-6161-5536 (M.A.M.); +39-09-5765-3104 (C.L.)
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10
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Ma L, Haile ZM, Sabbadini S, Mezzetti B, Negrini F, Baraldi E. Functional characterization of MANNOSE-BINDING LECTIN 1, a G-type lectin gene family member, in response to fungal pathogens of strawberry. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2023; 74:149-161. [PMID: 36219205 PMCID: PMC9786840 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erac396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The mannose-binding lectin gene MANNOSE-BINDING LECTIN 1 (MBL1) is a member of the G-type lectin family and is involved in defense in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa). Genome-wide identification of the G-type lectin family was carried out in woodland strawberry, F. vesca, and 133 G-lectin genes were found. Their expression profiles were retrieved from available databases and indicated that many are actively expressed during plant development or interaction with pathogens. We selected MBL1 for further investigation and generated stable transgenic FaMBL1-overexpressing plants of F. ×ananassa to examine the role of this gene in defense. Plants were selected and evaluated for their contents of disease-related phytohormones and their reaction to biotic stresses, and this revealed that jasmonic acid decreased in the overexpressing lines compared with the wild-type (WT). Petioles of the overexpressing lines inoculated with Colletotrichum fioriniae had lower disease incidence than the WT, and leaves of these lines challenged by Botrytis cinerea showed significantly smaller lesion diameters than the WT and higher expression of CLASS II CHITINASE 2-1. Our results indicate that FaMBL1 plays important roles in strawberry response to fungal diseases caused by C. fioriniae and B. cinerea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijing Ma
- Department of Agricultural and Food Science, DISTAL, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Zeraye Mehari Haile
- Department of Agricultural and Food Science, DISTAL, Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Plant Protection Research Division of Melkasa Agricultural Research Center, Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Silvia Sabbadini
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Bruno Mezzetti
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
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11
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Khan FS, Goher F, Zhang D, Shi P, Li Z, Htwe YM, Wang Y. Is CRISPR/Cas9 a way forward to fast-track genetic improvement in commercial palms? Prospects and limits. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:1042828. [PMID: 36578341 PMCID: PMC9791139 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1042828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Commercially important palms (oil palm, coconut, and date palm) are widely grown perennial trees with tremendous commercial significance due to food, edible oil, and industrial applications. The mounting pressure on the human population further reinforces palms' importance, as they are essential crops to meet vegetable oil needs around the globe. Various conventional breeding methods are used for the genetic improvement of palms. However, adopting new technologies is crucial to accelerate breeding and satisfy the expanding population's demands. CRISPR/Cas9 is an efficient genome editing tool that can incorporate desired traits into the existing DNA of the plant without losing common traits. Recent progress in genome editing in oil palm, coconut and date palm are preliminarily introduced to potential readers. Furthermore, detailed information on available CRISPR-based genome editing and genetic transformation methods are summarized for researchers. We shed light on the possibilities of genome editing in palm crops, especially on the modification of fatty acid biosynthesis in oil palm. Moreover, the limitations in genome editing, including inadequate target gene screening due to genome complexities and low efficiency of genetic transformation, are also highlighted. The prospects of CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing in commercial palms to improve sustainable production are also addressed in this review paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiza Shafique Khan
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Biosafety Monitoring and Molecular Breeding in Off-Season Reproduction Regions/Sanya Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, Hainan, China
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya, Hainan, China
- Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Oil Crops Biology, Coconut Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Wenchang, Hainan, China
| | - Farhan Goher
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology for Arid Areas, College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Dapeng Zhang
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Biosafety Monitoring and Molecular Breeding in Off-Season Reproduction Regions/Sanya Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, Hainan, China
- Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Oil Crops Biology, Coconut Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Wenchang, Hainan, China
| | - Peng Shi
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Biosafety Monitoring and Molecular Breeding in Off-Season Reproduction Regions/Sanya Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, Hainan, China
- Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Oil Crops Biology, Coconut Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Wenchang, Hainan, China
| | - Zhiying Li
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Biosafety Monitoring and Molecular Breeding in Off-Season Reproduction Regions/Sanya Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, Hainan, China
- Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Oil Crops Biology, Coconut Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Wenchang, Hainan, China
| | - Yin Min Htwe
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Biosafety Monitoring and Molecular Breeding in Off-Season Reproduction Regions/Sanya Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, Hainan, China
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya, Hainan, China
- Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Oil Crops Biology, Coconut Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Wenchang, Hainan, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Hainan Key Laboratory for Biosafety Monitoring and Molecular Breeding in Off-Season Reproduction Regions/Sanya Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Sanya, Hainan, China
- Hainan Key Laboratory of Tropical Oil Crops Biology, Coconut Research Institute of Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Wenchang, Hainan, China
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12
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Nerva L, Sandrini M, Moffa L, Velasco R, Balestrini R, Chitarra W. Breeding toward improved ecological plant-microbiome interactions. TRENDS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 27:1134-1143. [PMID: 35803843 DOI: 10.1016/j.tplants.2022.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Domestication processes, amplified by breeding programs, have allowed the selection of more productive genotypes and more suitable crop lines capable of coping with the changing climate. Notwithstanding these advancements, the impact of plant breeding on the ecology of plant-microbiome interactions has not been adequately considered yet. This includes the possible exploitation of beneficial plant-microbe interactions to develop crops with improved performance and better adaptability to any environmental scenario. Here we discuss the exploitation of customized synthetic microbial communities in agricultural systems to develop more sustainable breeding strategies based on the implementation of multiple interactions between plants and their beneficial associated microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Nerva
- Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-VE), Via XXVIII Aprile 26, 31015 Conegliano, (TV), Italy; National Research Council of Italy - Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection (CNR-IPSP), Strada delle Cacce, 73, 10135 Torino (TO), Italy
| | - Marco Sandrini
- Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-VE), Via XXVIII Aprile 26, 31015 Conegliano, (TV), Italy; University of Udine, Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, Via delle Scienze 206, 33100, Udine, (UD), Italy
| | - Loredana Moffa
- Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-VE), Via XXVIII Aprile 26, 31015 Conegliano, (TV), Italy; University of Udine, Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Animal Sciences, Via delle Scienze 206, 33100, Udine, (UD), Italy
| | - Riccardo Velasco
- Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-VE), Via XXVIII Aprile 26, 31015 Conegliano, (TV), Italy
| | - Raffaella Balestrini
- National Research Council of Italy - Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection (CNR-IPSP), Strada delle Cacce, 73, 10135 Torino (TO), Italy.
| | - Walter Chitarra
- Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-VE), Via XXVIII Aprile 26, 31015 Conegliano, (TV), Italy; National Research Council of Italy - Institute for Sustainable Plant Protection (CNR-IPSP), Strada delle Cacce, 73, 10135 Torino (TO), Italy
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13
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Dominguez MM, Padilla CS, Mandadi KK. A versatile Agrobacterium-based plant transformation system for genetic engineering of diverse citrus cultivars. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:878335. [PMID: 36311111 PMCID: PMC9597469 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.878335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Developing an efficient transformation system is vital in genetically engineering recalcitrant crops, particularly trees. Here, we outline an Agrobacterium tumefaciens-based stable plant transformation methodology for citrus genetic engineering. The process was optimized to suit the requirements of fourteen citrus varieties by establishing appropriate infection, co-cultivation, selection, and culture media conditions. The procedure includes transforming seedling-derived epicotyl segments with an A. tumefaciens strain, then selecting and regenerating transformed tissues. Transgenic shoots were further identified by a visual reporter (e.g., β-glucuronidase) and confirmed by Northern and Southern blot analysis. Transgene integrations among the transgenic lines ranged between one to four. The methodology can yield transformation efficiencies of up to 11%, and transgenic plants can be recovered as early as six months, depending on the variety. In addition, we show that incorporating A. tumefaciens helper virulence genes (virG and virE), spermidine, and lipoic acid in the resuspension buffer before transformation improved the transformation efficiency of specific recalcitrant cultivars, presumably by enhancing T-DNA integration and alleviating oxidative stress on the explant tissues. In conclusion, the optimized methodology can be utilized to engineer diverse recalcitrant citrus varieties towards trait improvement or functional genetics applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carmen S. Padilla
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center, Weslaco, TX, United States
| | - Kranthi K. Mandadi
- Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center, Weslaco, TX, United States
- Department of Plant Pathology & Microbiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture, Texas A&M AgriLife, College Station, TX, United States
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14
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Biotechnological Advances to Improve Abiotic Stress Tolerance in Crops. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231912053. [PMID: 36233352 PMCID: PMC9570234 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231912053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The major challenges that agriculture is facing in the twenty-first century are increasing droughts, water scarcity, flooding, poorer soils, and extreme temperatures due to climate change. However, most crops are not tolerant to extreme climatic environments. The aim in the near future, in a world with hunger and an increasing population, is to breed and/or engineer crops to tolerate abiotic stress with a higher yield. Some crop varieties display a certain degree of tolerance, which has been exploited by plant breeders to develop varieties that thrive under stress conditions. Moreover, a long list of genes involved in abiotic stress tolerance have been identified and characterized by molecular techniques and overexpressed individually in plant transformation experiments. Nevertheless, stress tolerance phenotypes are polygenetic traits, which current genomic tools are dissecting to exploit their use by accelerating genetic introgression using molecular markers or site-directed mutagenesis such as CRISPR-Cas9. In this review, we describe plant mechanisms to sense and tolerate adverse climate conditions and examine and discuss classic and new molecular tools to select and improve abiotic stress tolerance in major crops.
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15
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Fragoso RR, Arraes FBM, Lourenço-Tessutti IT, Miranda VJ, Basso MF, Ferreira AVJ, Viana AAB, Lins CBJ, Lins PC, Moura SM, Batista JAN, Silva MCM, Engler G, Morgante CV, Lisei-de-Sa ME, Vasques RM, de Almeida-Engler J, Grossi-de-Sa MF. Functional characterization of the pUceS8.3 promoter and its potential use for ectopic gene overexpression. PLANTA 2022; 256:69. [PMID: 36066773 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-022-03980-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The pUceS8.3 is a constitutive gene promoter with potential for ectopic and strong genes overexpression or active biomolecules in plant tissues attacked by pests, including nematode-induced giant cells or galls. Soybean (Glycine max) is one of the most important agricultural commodities worldwide and a major protein and oil source. Herein, we identified the soybean ubiquitin-conjugating (E2) enzyme gene (GmUBC4; Glyma.18G216000), which is significantly upregulated in response to Anticarsia gemmatalis attack and Meloidogyne incognita-induced galls during plant parasitism by plant nematode. The GmUBC4 promoter sequence and its different modules were functionally characterized in silico and in planta using transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana and G. max lines. Its full-length transcriptional regulatory region (promoter and 5´-UTR sequences, named pUceS8.3 promoter) was able to drive higher levels of uidA (β-glucuronidase) gene expression in different tissues of transgenic A. thaliana lines compared to its three shortened modules and the p35SdAMV promoter. Notably, higher β-glucuronidase (GUS) enzymatic activity was shown in M. incognita-induced giant cells when the full pUceS8.3 promoter drove the expression of this reporter gene. Furthermore, nematode-specific dsRNA molecules were successfully overexpressed under the control of the pUceS8.3 promoter in transgenic soybean lines. The RNAi gene construct used here was designed to post-transcriptionally downregulate the previously characterized pre-mRNA splicing factor genes from Heterodera glycines and M. incognita. A total of six transgenic soybean lines containing RNAi gene construct were selected for molecular characterization after infection with M. incognita pre-parasitic second-stage (ppJ2) nematodes. A strong reduction in the egg number produced by M. incognita after parasitism was observed in those transgenic soybean lines, ranging from 71 to 92% compared to wild-type control plants. The present data demonstrated that pUceS8.3 is a gene promoter capable of effectively driving dsRNA overexpression in nematode-induced giant cells of transgenic soybean lines and can be successfully applied as an important biotechnological asset to generate transgenic crops with improved resistance to root-knot nematodes as well as other pests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Rocha Fragoso
- Embrapa Savannah, Planaltina, DF, Brazil
- National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brazil
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, PqEB Final Av. W/5 Norte, Brasília DF, CEP 70.770-900, Brazil
| | - Fabricio Barbosa Monteiro Arraes
- National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brazil
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, PqEB Final Av. W/5 Norte, Brasília DF, CEP 70.770-900, Brazil
| | - Isabela Tristan Lourenço-Tessutti
- National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brazil
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, PqEB Final Av. W/5 Norte, Brasília DF, CEP 70.770-900, Brazil
| | - Vívian Jesus Miranda
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, PqEB Final Av. W/5 Norte, Brasília DF, CEP 70.770-900, Brazil
| | - Marcos Fernando Basso
- National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brazil
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, PqEB Final Av. W/5 Norte, Brasília DF, CEP 70.770-900, Brazil
| | | | | | - Camila Barrozo Jesus Lins
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, PqEB Final Av. W/5 Norte, Brasília DF, CEP 70.770-900, Brazil
| | - Philippe Castro Lins
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, PqEB Final Av. W/5 Norte, Brasília DF, CEP 70.770-900, Brazil
| | - Stéfanie Menezes Moura
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, PqEB Final Av. W/5 Norte, Brasília DF, CEP 70.770-900, Brazil
| | - João Aguiar Nogueira Batista
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, PqEB Final Av. W/5 Norte, Brasília DF, CEP 70.770-900, Brazil
- Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte-MG, Brazil
| | - Maria Cristina Mattar Silva
- National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brazil
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, PqEB Final Av. W/5 Norte, Brasília DF, CEP 70.770-900, Brazil
| | - Gilbert Engler
- National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brazil
- INRAE, Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Sophia-Antipolis, France
| | - Carolina Vianna Morgante
- National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brazil
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, PqEB Final Av. W/5 Norte, Brasília DF, CEP 70.770-900, Brazil
- Embrapa Semiarid, Petrolina-PE, Brazil
| | - Maria Eugênia Lisei-de-Sa
- National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brazil
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, PqEB Final Av. W/5 Norte, Brasília DF, CEP 70.770-900, Brazil
- Minas Gerais Agricultural Research Company (EPAMIG), Uberaba-MG, Brazil
| | - Raquel Medeiros Vasques
- National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brazil
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, PqEB Final Av. W/5 Norte, Brasília DF, CEP 70.770-900, Brazil
| | - Janice de Almeida-Engler
- National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brazil
- INRAE, Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, Sophia-Antipolis, France
| | - Maria Fatima Grossi-de-Sa
- National Institute of Science and Technology, INCT PlantStress Biotech, Embrapa, Brazil.
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, PqEB Final Av. W/5 Norte, Brasília DF, CEP 70.770-900, Brazil.
- Catholic University of Brasilia, Brasília-DF, Brazil.
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Pallis S, Alyokhin A, Manley B, Rodrigues TB, Buzza A, Barnes E, Narva K. Toxicity of a novel dsRNA-based insecticide to the Colorado potato beetle in laboratory and field trials. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2022; 78:3836-3848. [PMID: 35166021 DOI: 10.1002/ps.6835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is one of the most notorious pests of the potato, Solanum tuberosum. Potato beetles are capable of developing resistance to various insecticides in relatively few generations. Novel and effective means of controlling Colorado potato beetle populations are constantly required to protect potato crops and prevent loss of yield. The knockdown of gene function through ribonucleic acid interference has been demonstrated in Colorado potato beetles, suggesting the use of this technology as a means of beetle management. A novel double-stranded RNA-based insecticide with the active ingredient, ledprona, has been tested in variable dose laboratory bioassays, followed by field studies. RESULTS Exposure to ledprona resulted in both increased beetle mortality and decreased foliage consumption in all four instars and adult beetles. Effects decreased from earlier to later life stages. No ovicidal activity was detected. Onset of mortality was slower compared with existing chemical insecticides. Nevertheless, field applications of formulated ledprona to potato plots resulted in their protection comparable with that provided by spinosad and chlorantraniliprole. CONCLUSION Based on the results of this study, formulated ledprona has attributes to become a useful tool in controlling Colorado potato beetle populations that is likely to be a good fit in integrated pest management protocols. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Pallis
- School of Biology and Ecology, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
| | - Andrei Alyokhin
- School of Biology and Ecology, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
| | - Brian Manley
- GreenLight Biosciences, Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle, NC, USA
| | - Thais B Rodrigues
- GreenLight Biosciences, Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle, NC, USA
| | - Aaron Buzza
- School of Biology and Ecology, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA
| | - Ethann Barnes
- GreenLight Biosciences, Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle, NC, USA
| | - Kenneth Narva
- GreenLight Biosciences, Research Triangle Park, Research Triangle, NC, USA
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17
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Mezzetti B, Arpaia S, Baraldi E, Dietz-Pfeilstetter A, Smagghe G, Ventura V, Sweet JB. Editorial: Advances and Challenges of RNAi Based Technologies for Plants-Volume 2. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:930851. [PMID: 35898218 PMCID: PMC9309804 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.930851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Mezzetti
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Salvatore Arpaia
- Agenzia Nazionale per le Nuove Tecnologie, l'Energia e lo Sviluppo Economico Sostenibile (ENEA) Research Centre Trisaia - Division Bioenergy, Biorefinery and Green Chemistry, Rotondella, Italy
| | - Elena Baraldi
- DISTAL-Department of Agricultural and Food Science, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antje Dietz-Pfeilstetter
- Julius Kühn-Institut, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Biosafety in Plant Biotechnology, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Vera Ventura
- Department of Civil Engineering, Architecture, Land, Environment and of Mathematics, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Jeremy B. Sweet
- Sweet Environmental Consultant (SEC), Cambridge, United Kingdom
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18
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Gaucher M, Righetti L, Aubourg S, Dugé de Bernonville T, Brisset MN, Chevreau E, Vergne E. An Erwinia amylovora inducible promoter for improvement of apple fire blight resistance. PLANT CELL REPORTS 2022; 41:1499-1513. [PMID: 35385991 PMCID: PMC9270298 DOI: 10.1007/s00299-022-02869-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
pPPO16, the first Ea-inducible promoter cloned from apple, can be a useful component of intragenic strategies to create fire blight resistant apple genotypes. Intragenesis is an important alternative to transgenesis to produce modified plants containing native DNA only. A key point to develop such a strategy is the availability of regulatory sequences controlling the expression of the gene of interest. With the aim of finding apple gene promoters either inducible by the fire blight pathogen Erwinia amylovora (Ea) or moderately constitutive, we focused on polyphenoloxidase genes (PPO). These genes encode oxidative enzymes involved in many physiological processes and have been previously shown to be upregulated during the Ea infection process. We found ten PPO and two PPO-like sequences in the apple genome and characterized the promoters of MdPPO16 (pPPO16) and MdKFDV02 PPO-like (pKFDV02) for their potential as Ea-inducible and low-constitutive regulatory sequences, respectively. Expression levels of reporter genes fused to these promoters and transiently or stably expressed in apple were quantified after various treatments. Unlike pKFDV02 which displayed a variable activity, pPPO16 allowed a fast and strong expression of transgenes in apple following Ea infection in a Type 3 Secretion System dependent manner. Altogether our results does not confirmed pKFDV02 as a constitutive and weak promoter whereas pPPO16, the first Ea-inducible promoter cloned from apple, can be a useful component of intragenic strategies to create fire blight resistant apple genotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Gaucher
- Univ Angers, Institut Agro, INRAE, IRHS, SFR QUASAV, 49000, Angers, France
| | - Laura Righetti
- Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops (CREA-CI), Council for Agricultural Research and Agricultural Economics Analysis, Via di Corticella 133, 40128, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sébastien Aubourg
- Univ Angers, Institut Agro, INRAE, IRHS, SFR QUASAV, 49000, Angers, France
| | - Thomas Dugé de Bernonville
- EA2106 Biomolécules et Biotechnologies Végétales, UFR Sciences Pharmaceutiques, Université François Rabelais, 31 avenue Monge, 37200, Tours, France
| | | | - Elisabeth Chevreau
- Univ Angers, Institut Agro, INRAE, IRHS, SFR QUASAV, 49000, Angers, France
| | - Emilie Vergne
- Univ Angers, Institut Agro, INRAE, IRHS, SFR QUASAV, 49000, Angers, France.
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Pavese V, Moglia A, Abbà S, Milani AM, Torello Marinoni D, Corredoira E, Martínez MT, Botta R. First Report on Genome Editing via Ribonucleoprotein (RNP) in Castanea sativa Mill. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5762. [PMID: 35628572 PMCID: PMC9145500 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Castanea sativa is an important tree nut species worldwide, highly appreciated for its multifunctional role, in particular for timber and nut production. Nowadays, new strategies are needed to achieve plant resilience to diseases, climate change, higher yields, and nutritional quality. Among the new plant breeding techniques (NPBTs), the CRISPR/Cas9 system represents a powerful tool to improve plant breeding in a short time and inexpensive way. In addition, the CRISPR/Cas9 construct can be delivered into the cells in the form of ribonucleoproteins (RNPs), avoiding the integration of exogenous DNA (GMO-free) through protoplast technology that represents an interesting material for gene editing thanks to the highly permeable membrane to DNA. In the present study, we developed the first protoplast isolation protocol starting from European chestnut somatic embryos. The enzyme solution optimized for cell wall digestion contained 1% cellulase Onozuka R-10 and 0.5% macerozyme R-10. After incubation for 4 h at 25 °C in dark conditions, a yield of 4,500,000 protoplasts/mL was obtained (91% viable). The transfection capacity was evaluated using the GFP marker gene, and the percentage of transfected protoplasts was 51%, 72 h after the transfection event. The direct delivery of the purified RNP was then performed targeting the phytoene desaturase gene. Results revealed the expected target modification by the CRISPR/Cas9 RNP and the efficient protoplast editing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Pavese
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari-DISAFA, Università degli Studi di Torino, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, 10095 Torino, Italy; (V.P.); (S.A.); (A.M.M.); (D.T.M.); (R.B.)
| | - Andrea Moglia
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari-DISAFA, Università degli Studi di Torino, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, 10095 Torino, Italy; (V.P.); (S.A.); (A.M.M.); (D.T.M.); (R.B.)
| | - Silvia Abbà
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari-DISAFA, Università degli Studi di Torino, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, 10095 Torino, Italy; (V.P.); (S.A.); (A.M.M.); (D.T.M.); (R.B.)
| | - Anna Maria Milani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari-DISAFA, Università degli Studi di Torino, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, 10095 Torino, Italy; (V.P.); (S.A.); (A.M.M.); (D.T.M.); (R.B.)
| | - Daniela Torello Marinoni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari-DISAFA, Università degli Studi di Torino, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, 10095 Torino, Italy; (V.P.); (S.A.); (A.M.M.); (D.T.M.); (R.B.)
| | - Elena Corredoira
- Misión Biológica de Galicia, Sede de Santiago, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avd. Vigo, s/n, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (E.C.); (M.T.M.)
| | - Maria Teresa Martínez
- Misión Biológica de Galicia, Sede de Santiago, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Avd. Vigo, s/n, 15705 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (E.C.); (M.T.M.)
| | - Roberto Botta
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali e Alimentari-DISAFA, Università degli Studi di Torino, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, Grugliasco, 10095 Torino, Italy; (V.P.); (S.A.); (A.M.M.); (D.T.M.); (R.B.)
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Halder K, Chaudhuri A, Abdin MZ, Majee M, Datta A. RNA Interference for Improving Disease Resistance in Plants and Its Relevance in This Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats-Dominated Era in Terms of dsRNA-Based Biopesticides. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:885128. [PMID: 35645997 PMCID: PMC9141053 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.885128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
RNA interference (RNAi) has been exploited by scientists worldwide to make a significant contribution in the arena of sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management. These strategies are of an imperative need to guarantee food security for the teeming millions globally. The already established deleterious effects of chemical pesticides on human and livestock health have led researchers to exploit RNAi as a potential agri-biotechnology tool to solve the burning issue of agricultural wastage caused by pests and pathogens. On the other hand, CRISPR/Cas9, the latest genome-editing tool, also has a notable potential in this domain of biotic stress resistance, and a constant endeavor by various laboratories is in progress for making pathogen-resistant plants using this technique. Considerable outcry regarding the ill effects of genetically modified (GM) crops on the environment paved the way for the research of RNAi-induced double-stranded RNAs (dsRNA) and their application to biotic stresses. Here, we mainly focus on the application of RNAi technology to improve disease resistance in plants and its relevance in today's CRISPR-dominated world in terms of exogenous application of dsRNAs. We also focused on the ongoing research, public awareness, and subsequent commercialization of dsRNA-based biocontrol products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koushik Halder
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, New Delhi, India
- Centre for Transgenic Plant Development, Department of Biotechnology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard University, New Delhi, India
| | - Abira Chaudhuri
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Malik Z. Abdin
- Centre for Transgenic Plant Development, Department of Biotechnology, School of Chemical and Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard University, New Delhi, India
| | - Manoj Majee
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, New Delhi, India
| | - Asis Datta
- National Institute of Plant Genome Research, New Delhi, India
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Marco S, Loredana M, Riccardo V, Raffaella B, Walter C, Luca N. Microbe-assisted crop improvement: a sustainable weapon to restore holobiont functionality and resilience. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2022; 9:uhac160. [PMID: 36204199 PMCID: PMC9531342 DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhac160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
In the past years, breeding programs have been mainly addressed on pushing the commercial features, forgetting important traits, such as those related to environmental stress resilience, that are instead present in wild relatives. Among the traits neglected by breeding processes, the ability to recruit beneficial microorganisms that recently is receiving a growing attention due to its potentiality. In this context, this review will provide a spotlight on critical issues of the anthropocentric point of view that, until now, has characterized the selection of elite plant genotypes. Its effects on the plant-microbiome interactions, and the possibility to develop novel strategies mediated by the exploitation of beneficial root-microbe interactions, will be discussed. More sustainable microbial-assisted strategies might in fact foster the green revolution and the achievement of a more sustainable agriculture in a climatic change scenario.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Velasco Riccardo
- Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-VE), Via XXVIII Aprile 26, 31015 Conegliano (TV), Italy
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22
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Habibi F, Liu T, Folta K, Sarkhosh A. Physiological, biochemical, and molecular aspects of grafting in fruit trees. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2022; 9:uhac032. [PMID: 35184166 PMCID: PMC8976691 DOI: 10.1093/hr/uhac032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Grafting is a widely used practice for asexual propagation of fruit trees. Many physiological, biochemical, and molecular changes occur upon grafting that can influence important horticultural traits. This technology has many advantages, including avoidance of juvenility, modifying the scion architecture, improving productivity, adapting scion cultivars to unfavourable environmental conditions, and developing traits in resistance to insect pests, bacterial and fungal diseases. A limitation of grafting is scion-rootstock incompatibility. It may be caused by many factors, including insufficient genetic proximity, physiological or biochemical factors, lignification at the graft union, poor graft architecture, insufficient cell recognition between union tissues, and metabolic differences in the scion and the rootstock. Plant hormones, like auxin, ethylene (ET), cytokinin (CK), gibberellin (GA), abscisic acid (ABA), and jasmonic acid (JA) orchestrate several crucial physiological and biochemical processes happening at the site of the graft union. Additionally, epigenetic changes at the union affect chromatin architecture by DNA methylation, histone modification, and the action of small RNA molecules. The mechanism triggering these effects likely is affected by hormonal crosstalk, protein and small molecules movement, nutrients uptake, and transport in the grafted trees. This review provides an overview of the basis of physiological, biochemical, and molecular aspects of fruit tree grafting between scion and rootstock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fariborz Habibi
- Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611 USA
| | - Tie Liu
- Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611 USA
| | - Kevin Folta
- Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611 USA
| | - Ali Sarkhosh
- Horticultural Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611 USA
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23
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Nanoparticle-based delivery strategies of multifaceted immunomodulatory RNA for cancer immunotherapy. J Control Release 2022; 343:564-583. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.01.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Lebedev V. Stability of Transgene Inheritance in Progeny of Field-Grown Pear Trees over a 7-Year Period. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:151. [PMID: 35050039 PMCID: PMC8781120 DOI: 10.3390/plants11020151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2021] [Revised: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Breeding woody plants is a very time-consuming process, and genetic engineering tools have been used to shorten the juvenile phase. In addition, transgenic trees for commercial cultivation can also be used in classical breeding, but the segregation of transgenes in the progeny of perennial plants, as well as the possible appearance of unintended changes, have been poorly investigated. We studied the inheritance of the uidA gene in the progeny of field-grown transgenic pear trees for 7 years and the physical and physiological parameters of transgenic seeds. A total of 13 transgenic lines were analyzed, and the uidA gene segregated 1:1 in the progeny of 9 lines and 3:1 in the progeny of 4 lines, which is consistent with Mendelian inheritance for one and two transgene loci, respectively. Rare and random deviations from the Mendelian ratio were observed only for lines with one locus. Transgenic seeds' mass, size, and shape varied slightly, despite significant fluctuations in weather conditions during cultivation. Expression of the uidA gene in the progeny was stable. Our study showed that the transgene inheritance in the progeny of pear trees under field conditions occurs according to Mendelian ratio, does not depend on the environment, and the seed vigor of transgenic seeds does not change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vadim Lebedev
- Branch of the Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Prospekt Nauki 6, 142290 Pushchino, Moscow Region, Russia
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Súnico V, Higuera JJ, Molina-Hidalgo FJ, Blanco-Portales R, Moyano E, Rodríguez-Franco A, Muñoz-Blanco J, Caballero JL. The Intragenesis and Synthetic Biology Approach towards Accelerating Genetic Gains on Strawberry: Development of New Tools to Improve Fruit Quality and Resistance to Pathogens. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 11:plants11010057. [PMID: 35009061 PMCID: PMC8747664 DOI: 10.3390/plants11010057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Under climate change, the spread of pests and pathogens into new environments has a dramatic effect on crop protection control. Strawberry (Fragaria spp.) is one the most profitable crops of the Rosaceae family worldwide, but more than 50 different genera of pathogens affect this species. Therefore, accelerating the improvement of fruit quality and pathogen resistance in strawberry represents an important objective for breeding and reducing the usage of pesticides. New genome sequencing data and bioinformatics tools has provided important resources to expand the use of synthetic biology-assisted intragenesis strategies as a powerful tool to accelerate genetic gains in strawberry. In this paper, we took advantage of these innovative approaches to create four RNAi intragenic silencing cassettes by combining specific strawberry new promoters and pathogen defense-related candidate DNA sequences to increase strawberry fruit quality and resistance by silencing their corresponding endogenous genes, mainly during fruit ripening stages, thus avoiding any unwanted effect on plant growth and development. Using a fruit transient assay, GUS expression was detected by the two synthetic FvAAT2 and FvDOF2 promoters, both by histochemical assay and qPCR analysis of GUS transcript levels, thus ensuring the ability of the same to drive the expression of the silencing cassettes in this strawberry tissue. The approaches described here represent valuable new tools for the rapid development of improved strawberry lines.
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Conti G, Xoconostle-Cázares B, Marcelino-Pérez G, Hopp HE, Reyes CA. Citrus Genetic Transformation: An Overview of the Current Strategies and Insights on the New Emerging Technologies. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:768197. [PMID: 34917104 PMCID: PMC8670418 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.768197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Citrus are among the most prevailing fruit crops produced worldwide. The implementation of effective and reliable breeding programs is essential for coping with the increasing demands of satisfactory yield and quality of the fruit as well as to deal with the negative impact of fast-spreading diseases. Conventional methods are time-consuming and of difficult application because of inherent factors of citrus biology, such as their prolonged juvenile period and a complex reproductive stage, sometimes presenting infertility, self-incompatibility, parthenocarpy, or polyembryony. Moreover, certain desirable traits are absent from cultivated or wild citrus genotypes. All these features are challenging for the incorporation of the desirable traits. In this regard, genetic engineering technologies offer a series of alternative approaches that allow overcoming the difficulties of conventional breeding programs. This review gives a detailed overview of the currently used strategies for the development of genetically modified citrus. We describe different aspects regarding genotype varieties used, including elite cultivars or extensively used scions and rootstocks. Furthermore, we discuss technical aspects of citrus genetic transformation procedures via Agrobacterium, regular physical methods, and magnetofection. Finally, we describe the selection of explants considering young and mature tissues, protoplast isolation, etc. We also address current protocols and novel approaches for improving the in vitro regeneration process, which is an important bottleneck for citrus genetic transformation. This review also explores alternative emerging transformation strategies applied to citrus species such as transient and tissue localized transformation. New breeding technologies, including cisgenesis, intragenesis, and genome editing by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), are also discussed. Other relevant aspects comprising new promoters and reporter genes, marker-free systems, and strategies for induction of early flowering, are also addressed. We provided a future perspective on the use of current and new technologies in citrus and its potential impact on regulatory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Conti
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología y Biología Molecular, UEDD INTA-CONICET, Hurlingham, Argentina
- Cátedra de Genética, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Beatriz Xoconostle-Cázares
- Departamento de Biotecnología y Bioingeniería, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gabriel Marcelino-Pérez
- Departamento de Biotecnología y Bioingeniería, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Horacio Esteban Hopp
- Instituto de Agrobiotecnología y Biología Molecular, UEDD INTA-CONICET, Hurlingham, Argentina
- Laboratorio de Agrobiotecnología, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular (FBMC), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carina A. Reyes
- Instituto de Biotecnología y Biología Molecular, CCT-La Plata, CONICET-UNLP, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Duan K, Zhao YJ, Li ZY, Zou XH, Yang J, Guo CL, Chen SY, Yang XR, Gao QH. A Strategy for the Production and Molecular Validation of Agrobacterium-Mediated Intragenic Octoploid Strawberry. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10112229. [PMID: 34834592 PMCID: PMC8622968 DOI: 10.3390/plants10112229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Intragenesis is an all-native engineering technology for crop improvement. Using an intragenic strategy to bring genes from wild species to cultivated strawberry could expand the genetic variability. A robust regeneration protocol was developed for the strawberry cv. ‘Shanghai Angel’ by optimizing the dose of Thidiazuron and identifying the most suitable explants. The expression cassette was assembled with all DNA fragments from F. vesca, harboring a sugar transporter gene FvSTP8 driven by a fruit-specific FvKnox promoter. Transformed strawberry was developed through an Agrobacterium-mediated strategy without any selectable markers. Other than PCR selection, probe-based duplex droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) was performed to determine the T-DNA insert. Four independent transformed shoots were obtained with a maximum of 5.3% efficiency. Two lines were confirmed to be chimeras, while the other two were complete transformants with six and 11 copies of the intragene, respectively. The presence of a vector backbone beyond the T-DNA in these transformants indicated that intragenic strawberries were not obtained. The current work optimized the procedures for producing transformed strawberry without antibiotic selection, and accurately determined the insertion copies by ddPCR in the strawberry genome for the first time. These strategies might be promising for the engineering of ‘Shanghai Angel’ and other cultivars to improve agronomic traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Duan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Protected Horticultural Technology, Forestry and Fruit Tree Research Institute, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences (SAAS), Shanghai 201403, China; (X.-H.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.-R.Y.)
- Correspondence: (K.D.); (Q.-H.G.)
| | - Ying-Jie Zhao
- Lanzhou New Area Academy of Modern Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730300, China;
| | - Zi-Yi Li
- Ecological Technique and Engineering College, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai 201418, China;
| | - Xiao-Hua Zou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Protected Horticultural Technology, Forestry and Fruit Tree Research Institute, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences (SAAS), Shanghai 201403, China; (X.-H.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.-R.Y.)
| | - Jing Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Protected Horticultural Technology, Forestry and Fruit Tree Research Institute, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences (SAAS), Shanghai 201403, China; (X.-H.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.-R.Y.)
| | - Cheng-Lin Guo
- Hangzhou Woosen Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Hangzhou 310012, China;
| | - Si-Yu Chen
- College of Food Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China;
| | - Xiu-Rong Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Protected Horticultural Technology, Forestry and Fruit Tree Research Institute, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences (SAAS), Shanghai 201403, China; (X.-H.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.-R.Y.)
| | - Qing-Hua Gao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Protected Horticultural Technology, Forestry and Fruit Tree Research Institute, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences (SAAS), Shanghai 201403, China; (X.-H.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.-R.Y.)
- Correspondence: (K.D.); (Q.-H.G.)
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Kashtwari M, Mansoor S, Wani AA, Najar MA, Deshmukh RK, Baloch FS, Abidi I, Zargar SM. Random mutagenesis in vegetatively propagated crops: opportunities, challenges and genome editing prospects. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 49:5729-5749. [PMID: 34427889 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06650-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
In order to meet the growing human food and nutrition demand a perpetual process of crop improvement is idealized. It has seen changing trends and varying concepts throughout human history; from simple selection to complex gene-editing. Among these techniques, random mutagenesis has been shown to be a promising technology to achieve desirable genetic gain with less time and minimal efforts. Over the decade, several hundred varieties have been released through random mutagenesis, but the production is falling behind the demand. Several food crops like banana, potato, cassava, sweet potato, apple, citrus, and others are vegetatively propagated. Since such crops are not propagated through seed, genetic improvement through classical breeding is impractical for them. Besides, in the case of polyploids, accomplishment of allelic homozygosity requires a considerable land area, extensive fieldwork with huge manpower, and hefty funding for an extended period of time. Apart from induction, mapping of induced genes to facilitate the knowledge of biological processes has been performed only in a few selected facultative vegetative crops like banana and cassava which can form a segregating population. During the last few decades, there has been a shift in the techniques used for crop improvement. With the introduction of the robust technologies like meganucleases, zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs), and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) more and more crops are being subjected to gene editing. However, more work needs to be done in case of vegetatively propagated crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahpara Kashtwari
- Cytogenetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, 190006, India
| | - Sheikh Mansoor
- Division of Biochemistry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, FBSc, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, 180009, India
| | - Aijaz A Wani
- Cytogenetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, 190006, India.
| | - Mushtaq Ahmad Najar
- Cytogenetics and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, 190006, India
| | - Rupesh K Deshmukh
- National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Mohali, Punjab, 140308, India
| | - Faheem Shehzad Baloch
- Faculty of Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, Sivas University of Science and Technology, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Ishfaq Abidi
- Directorate of Research, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Shalimar, Jammu and Kashmir, 190025, India
| | - Sajad Majeed Zargar
- Proteomics Laboratory, Division of Plant Biotechnology, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Shalimar, Jammu and Kashmir, 190025, India.
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29
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Lobato-Gómez M, Hewitt S, Capell T, Christou P, Dhingra A, Girón-Calva PS. Transgenic and genome-edited fruits: background, constraints, benefits, and commercial opportunities. HORTICULTURE RESEARCH 2021; 8:166. [PMID: 34274949 PMCID: PMC8286259 DOI: 10.1038/s41438-021-00601-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Breeding has been used successfully for many years in the fruit industry, giving rise to most of today's commercial fruit cultivars. More recently, new molecular breeding techniques have addressed some of the constraints of conventional breeding. However, the development and commercial introduction of such novel fruits has been slow and limited with only five genetically engineered fruits currently produced as commercial varieties-virus-resistant papaya and squash were commercialized 25 years ago, whereas insect-resistant eggplant, non-browning apple, and pink-fleshed pineapple have been approved for commercialization within the last 6 years and production continues to increase every year. Advances in molecular genetics, particularly the new wave of genome editing technologies, provide opportunities to develop new fruit cultivars more rapidly. Our review, emphasizes the socioeconomic impact of current commercial fruit cultivars developed by genetic engineering and the potential impact of genome editing on the development of improved cultivars at an accelerated rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lobato-Gómez
- Department of Crop and Forest Sciences, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio CERCA Center, Lleida, 25198, Spain
| | - Seanna Hewitt
- Department of Horticulture, Washington State University, PO Box, 646414, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Teresa Capell
- Department of Crop and Forest Sciences, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio CERCA Center, Lleida, 25198, Spain
| | - Paul Christou
- Department of Crop and Forest Sciences, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio CERCA Center, Lleida, 25198, Spain
- ICREA, Catalan Institute for Research and Advanced Studies, 08010, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Amit Dhingra
- Department of Horticulture, Washington State University, PO Box, 646414, Pullman, WA, USA
| | - Patricia Sarai Girón-Calva
- Department of Crop and Forest Sciences, University of Lleida-Agrotecnio CERCA Center, Lleida, 25198, Spain.
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30
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Mores A, Borrelli GM, Laidò G, Petruzzino G, Pecchioni N, Amoroso LGM, Desiderio F, Mazzucotelli E, Mastrangelo AM, Marone D. Genomic Approaches to Identify Molecular Bases of Crop Resistance to Diseases and to Develop Future Breeding Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5423. [PMID: 34063853 PMCID: PMC8196592 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant diseases are responsible for substantial crop losses each year and affect food security and agricultural sustainability. The improvement of crop resistance to pathogens through breeding represents an environmentally sound method for managing disease and minimizing these losses. The challenge is to breed varieties with a stable and broad-spectrum resistance. Different approaches, from markers to recent genomic and 'post-genomic era' technologies, will be reviewed in order to contribute to a better understanding of the complexity of host-pathogen interactions and genes, including those with small phenotypic effects and mechanisms that underlie resistance. An efficient combination of these approaches is herein proposed as the basis to develop a successful breeding strategy to obtain resistant crop varieties that yield higher in increasing disease scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Mores
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, S.S. 673, Km 25,200, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (A.M.); (G.M.B.); (G.L.); (G.P.); (N.P.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Grazia Maria Borrelli
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, S.S. 673, Km 25,200, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (A.M.); (G.M.B.); (G.L.); (G.P.); (N.P.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Giovanni Laidò
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, S.S. 673, Km 25,200, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (A.M.); (G.M.B.); (G.L.); (G.P.); (N.P.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Petruzzino
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, S.S. 673, Km 25,200, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (A.M.); (G.M.B.); (G.L.); (G.P.); (N.P.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Nicola Pecchioni
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, S.S. 673, Km 25,200, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (A.M.); (G.M.B.); (G.L.); (G.P.); (N.P.); (A.M.M.)
| | | | - Francesca Desiderio
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Genomics and Bioinformatics Research Center, Via San Protaso 302, 29017 Fiorenzuola d’Arda, Italy; (F.D.); (E.M.)
| | - Elisabetta Mazzucotelli
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Genomics and Bioinformatics Research Center, Via San Protaso 302, 29017 Fiorenzuola d’Arda, Italy; (F.D.); (E.M.)
| | - Anna Maria Mastrangelo
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, S.S. 673, Km 25,200, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (A.M.); (G.M.B.); (G.L.); (G.P.); (N.P.); (A.M.M.)
| | - Daniela Marone
- Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Research Centre for Cereal and Industrial Crops, S.S. 673, Km 25,200, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (A.M.); (G.M.B.); (G.L.); (G.P.); (N.P.); (A.M.M.)
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RNA Interference Strategies for Future Management of Plant Pathogenic Fungi: Prospects and Challenges. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10040650. [PMID: 33805521 PMCID: PMC8067263 DOI: 10.3390/plants10040650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Plant pathogenic fungi are the largest group of disease-causing agents on crop plants and represent a persistent and significant threat to agriculture worldwide. Conventional approaches based on the use of pesticides raise social concern for the impact on the environment and human health and alternative control methods are urgently needed. The rapid improvement and extensive implementation of RNA interference (RNAi) technology for various model and non-model organisms has provided the initial framework to adapt this post-transcriptional gene silencing technology for the management of fungal pathogens. Recent studies showed that the exogenous application of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules on plants targeting fungal growth and virulence-related genes provided disease attenuation of pathogens like Botrytis cinerea, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Fusarium graminearum in different hosts. Such results highlight that the exogenous RNAi holds great potential for RNAi-mediated plant pathogenic fungal disease control. Production of dsRNA can be possible by using either in-vitro or in-vivo synthesis. In this review, we describe exogenous RNAi involved in plant pathogenic fungi and discuss dsRNA production, formulation, and RNAi delivery methods. Potential challenges that are faced while developing a RNAi strategy for fungal pathogens, such as off-target and epigenetic effects, with their possible solutions are also discussed.
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Mohd Saad NS, Severn-Ellis AA, Pradhan A, Edwards D, Batley J. Genomics Armed With Diversity Leads the Way in Brassica Improvement in a Changing Global Environment. Front Genet 2021; 12:600789. [PMID: 33679880 PMCID: PMC7930750 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.600789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Meeting the needs of a growing world population in the face of imminent climate change is a challenge; breeding of vegetable and oilseed Brassica crops is part of the race in meeting these demands. Available genetic diversity constituting the foundation of breeding is essential in plant improvement. Elite varieties, land races, and crop wild species are important resources of useful variation and are available from existing genepools or genebanks. Conservation of diversity in genepools, genebanks, and even the wild is crucial in preventing the loss of variation for future breeding efforts. In addition, the identification of suitable parental lines and alleles is critical in ensuring the development of resilient Brassica crops. During the past two decades, an increasing number of high-quality nuclear and organellar Brassica genomes have been assembled. Whole-genome re-sequencing and the development of pan-genomes are overcoming the limitations of the single reference genome and provide the basis for further exploration. Genomic and complementary omic tools such as microarrays, transcriptomics, epigenetics, and reverse genetics facilitate the study of crop evolution, breeding histories, and the discovery of loci associated with highly sought-after agronomic traits. Furthermore, in genomic selection, predicted breeding values based on phenotype and genome-wide marker scores allow the preselection of promising genotypes, enhancing genetic gains and substantially quickening the breeding cycle. It is clear that genomics, armed with diversity, is set to lead the way in Brassica improvement; however, a multidisciplinary plant breeding approach that includes phenotype = genotype × environment × management interaction will ultimately ensure the selection of resilient Brassica varieties ready for climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jacqueline Batley
- School of Biological Sciences Western Australia and UWA Institute of Agriculture, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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Kapazoglou A, Tani E, Avramidou EV, Abraham EM, Gerakari M, Megariti S, Doupis G, Doulis AG. Epigenetic Changes and Transcriptional Reprogramming Upon Woody Plant Grafting for Crop Sustainability in a Changing Environment. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 11:613004. [PMID: 33510757 PMCID: PMC7835530 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.613004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Plant grafting is an ancient agricultural practice widely employed in crops such as woody fruit trees, grapes, and vegetables, in order to improve plant performance. Successful grafting requires the interaction of compatible scion and rootstock genotypes. This involves an intricate network of molecular mechanisms operating at the graft junction and associated with the development and the physiology of the scion, ultimately leading to improved agricultural characteristics such as fruit quality and increased tolerance/resistance to abiotic and biotic factors. Bidirectional transfer of molecular signals such as hormones, nutrients, proteins, and nucleic acids from the rootstock to the scion and vice versa have been well documented. In recent years, studies on rootstock-scion interactions have proposed the existence of an epigenetic component in grafting reactions. Epigenetic changes such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and the action of small RNA molecules are known to modulate chromatin architecture, leading to gene expression changes and impacting cellular function. Mobile small RNAs (siRNAs) migrating across the graft union from the rootstock to the scion and vice versa mediate modifications in the DNA methylation pattern of the recipient partner, leading to altered chromatin structure and transcriptional reprogramming. Moreover, graft-induced DNA methylation changes and gene expression shifts in the scion have been associated with variations in graft performance. If these changes are heritable they can lead to stably altered phenotypes and affect important agricultural traits, making grafting an alternative to breeding for the production of superior plants with improved traits. However, most reviews on the molecular mechanisms underlying this process comprise studies related to vegetable grafting. In this review we will provide a comprehensive presentation of the current knowledge on the epigenetic changes and transcriptional reprogramming associated with the rootstock-scion interaction focusing on woody plant species, including the recent findings arising from the employment of advanced-omics technologies as well as transgrafting methodologies and their potential exploitation for generating superior quality grafts in woody species. Furthermore, will discuss graft-induced heritable epigenetic changes leading to novel plant phenotypes and their implication to woody crop improvement for yield, quality, and stress resilience, within the context of climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aliki Kapazoglou
- Department of Vitis, Institute of Olive Tree, Subtropical Crops and Viticulture (IOSV), Hellenic Agricultural Organization-Demeter (HAO-Demeter), Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Tani
- Laboratory of Plant Breeding and Biometry, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia V. Avramidou
- Laboratory of Forest Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Mediterranean Forest Ecosystems, Athens, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-Demeter (HAO-Demeter), Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni M. Abraham
- Laboratory of Range Science, Faculty of Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Gerakari
- Laboratory of Plant Breeding and Biometry, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Stamatia Megariti
- Laboratory of Plant Breeding and Biometry, Department of Crop Science, Agricultural University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Doupis
- Department of Viticulture, Vegetable Crops, Floriculture and Plant Protection, Institute of Olive Tree, Sub-Tropical Crops and Viticulture, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-Demeter (HAO-Demeter) (fr. NAGREF), Heraklion, Greece
| | - Andreas G. Doulis
- Department of Viticulture, Vegetable Crops, Floriculture and Plant Protection, Institute of Olive Tree, Sub-Tropical Crops and Viticulture, Hellenic Agricultural Organization-Demeter (HAO-Demeter) (fr. NAGREF), Heraklion, Greece
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Haile ZM, Gebremichael DE, Capriotti L, Molesini B, Negrini F, Collina M, Sabbadini S, Mezzetti B, Baraldi E. Double-Stranded RNA Targeting Dicer-Like Genes Compromises the Pathogenicity of Plasmopara viticola on Grapevine. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:667539. [PMID: 34084177 PMCID: PMC8167485 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.667539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Downy mildew caused by Plasmopara viticola is one of the most devastating diseases of grapevine, attacking all green parts of the plant. The damage is severe when the infection at flowering stage is left uncontrolled. P. viticola management consumes a significant amount of classical pesticides applied in vineyards, requiring efficient and environmentally safe disease management options. Spray-induced gene silencing (SIGS), through the application of exogenous double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), has shown promising results for the management of diseases in crops. Here, we developed and tested the potential of dsRNA targeting P. viticola Dicer-like (DCL) genes for SIGS-based crop protection strategy. The exogenous application of PvDCL1/2 dsRNA, a chimera of PvDCL1 and PvDCL2, highly affected the virulence of P. viticola. The reduced expression level of PvDCL1 and PvDCL2 transcripts in infected leaves, treated with PvDCL1/2 dsRNA, was an indication of an active RNA interference mechanism inside the pathogen to compromise its virulence. Besides the protective property, the PvDCL1/2 dsRNA also exhibited a curative role by reducing the disease progress rate of already established infection. Our data provide a promising future for PvDCL1/2 dsRNA as a new generation of RNA-based resistant plants or RNA-based agrochemical for the management of downy mildew disease in grapevine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeraye Mehari Haile
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (EIAR), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | | | - Luca Capriotti
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Barbara Molesini
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesca Negrini
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marina Collina
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Sabbadini
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Bruno Mezzetti
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
- Research Group on Food, Nutritional Biochemistry and Health, Universidad Europea del Atlántico, Santander, Spain
| | - Elena Baraldi
- Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences (DISTAL), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- *Correspondence: Elena Baraldi,
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Bhattacharya A, Parkhi V, Char B. Genome editing for crop improvement: A perspective from India. IN VITRO CELLULAR & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY. PLANT : JOURNAL OF THE TISSUE CULTURE ASSOCIATION 2021; 57:565-573. [PMID: 34075289 PMCID: PMC8152710 DOI: 10.1007/s11627-021-10184-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Human population is expected to reach to about 10 billion by 2050. Climate change affects crop production, thus posing food security challenges. Conventional breeding alone will not bridge the gap between current level of crop production and expected levels in the decades to come in the food production systems. Rate of genetic gain with time has remained narrow considerably. Biotechnology-enabled crops developed through genome editing will have a part to play in improving crop productivity, meeting food, nutrition security besides catering to regional preferences and fetching valuable foreign exchange. Political, social, economical proposition, scientific will, retailer and consumer acceptance are a must for genome editing (GE) to succeed and add value in the food value chain. This will also help to make agriculture a lucrative profession and attract youth. Therefore, the present review looks into existing regulations governing crops developed using biotechnology in India, institutes involved in genome editing, prospects of new tools developed in this sphere such as DNA-free editing systems, nanotechnology, their applicability in crop improvement efforts, social and future prospects taking cue from recent global developments. This will make GE more appealing to stakeholders and defray any safety concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anjanabha Bhattacharya
- Mahyco Research Centre, Mahyco Private Limited, Jalna-Aurangabad Road, Dawalwadi, Jalna, Maharashtra 431203 India
| | - Vilas Parkhi
- Mahyco Research Centre, Mahyco Private Limited, Jalna-Aurangabad Road, Dawalwadi, Jalna, Maharashtra 431203 India
| | - Bharat Char
- Mahyco Research Centre, Mahyco Private Limited, Jalna-Aurangabad Road, Dawalwadi, Jalna, Maharashtra 431203 India
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Sidorova T, Miroshnichenko D, Kirov I, Pushin A, Dolgov S. Effect of Grafting on Viral Resistance of Non-transgenic Plum Scion Combined With Transgenic PPV-Resistant Rootstock. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:621954. [PMID: 33597963 PMCID: PMC7882617 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.621954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
In stone fruit trees, resistance to Plum pox virus (PPV) can be achieved through the specific degradation of viral RNA by the mechanism of RNA interference (RNAi). Transgenic virus-resistant plants, however, raise serious biosafety concerns due to the insertion and expression of hairpin constructs that usually contain various selective foreign genes. Since a mature stone tree represents a combination of scion and rootstock, grafting commercial varieties onto transgenic virus-tolerant rootstocks is a possible approach to mitigate biosafety problems. The present study was aimed at answering the following question: To what extent are molecular RNAi silencing signals transmitted across graft junctions in transgrafted plum trees and how much does it affect PPV resistance in genetically modified (GM)/non-transgenic (NT) counterparts? Two combinations, NT:GM and GM:NT (scion:rootstock), were studied, with an emphasis on the first transgrafting scenario. Viral inoculation was carried out on either the scion or the rootstock. The interspecific rootstock "Elita" [(Prunus pumila L. × P. salicina Lindl.) × (P. cerasifera Ehrh.)] was combined with cv. "Startovaya" (Prunus domestica L.) as a scion. Transgenic plum lines of both cultivars were transformed with a PPV-coat protein (CP)-derived intron-separate hairpin-RNA construct and displayed substantial viral resistance. High-throughput sequence data of small RNA (sRNA) pools indicated that the accumulation of construct-specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) in transgenic plum rootstock reached over 2%. The elevated siRNA level enabled the resistance to PPV and blocked the movement of the virus through the GM tissues into the NT partner when the transgenic tissues were inoculated. At the same time, the mobile siRNA signal was not moved from the GM rootstock to the target NT tissue to a level sufficient to trigger silencing of PPV transcripts and provide reliable viral resistance. The lack of mobility of transgene-derived siRNA molecules was accompanied by the transfer of various endogenous rootstock-specific sRNAs into the NT scion, indicating the exceptional transitivity failure of the studied RNAi signal. The results presented here indicate that transgrafting in woody fruit trees remains an unpredictable practice and needs further in-depth examination to deliver molecular silencing signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Sidorova
- Branch of Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science, Pushchino, Russia
- *Correspondence: Tatiana Sidorova,
| | - Dmitry Miroshnichenko
- Branch of Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science, Pushchino, Russia
- All-Russia Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya Kirov
- All-Russia Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander Pushin
- Branch of Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science, Pushchino, Russia
- All-Russia Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey Dolgov
- Branch of Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science, Pushchino, Russia
- All-Russia Research Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russia
- Federal Horticulture Center for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery, Moscow, Russia
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Iqbal Z, Shariq Iqbal M, Singh SP, Buaboocha T. Ca 2+/Calmodulin Complex Triggers CAMTA Transcriptional Machinery Under Stress in Plants: Signaling Cascade and Molecular Regulation. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:598327. [PMID: 33343600 PMCID: PMC7744605 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.598327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Calcium (Ca2+) ion is a critical ubiquitous intracellular second messenger, acting as a lead currency for several distinct signal transduction pathways. Transient perturbations in free cytosolic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]cyt) concentrations are indispensable for the translation of signals into adaptive biological responses. The transient increase in [Ca2+]cyt levels is sensed by an array of Ca2+ sensor relay proteins such as calmodulin (CaM), eventually leading to conformational changes and activation of CaM. CaM, in a Ca2+-dependent manner, regulates several transcription factors (TFs) that are implicated in various molecular, physiological, and biochemical functions in cells. CAMTA (calmodulin-binding transcription activator) is one such member of the Ca2+-loaded CaM-dependent family of TFs. The present review focuses on Ca2+ as a second messenger, its interaction with CaM, and Ca2+/CaM-mediated CAMTA transcriptional regulation in plants. The review recapitulates the molecular and physiological functions of CAMTA in model plants and various crops, confirming its probable involvement in stress signaling pathways and overall plant development. Studying Ca2+/CaM-mediated CAMTA TF will help in answering key questions concerning signaling cascades and molecular regulation under stress conditions and plant growth, thus improving our knowledge for crop improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Iqbal
- Molecular Crop Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Mohammed Shariq Iqbal
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow Campus, Lucknow, India
| | - Surendra Pratap Singh
- Plant Molecular Biology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Dayanand Anglo-Vedic (PG) College, Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, India
| | - Teerapong Buaboocha
- Molecular Crop Research Unit, Department of Biochemistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Omics Sciences and Bioinformatics Center, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Biotechnological Approaches: Gene Overexpression, Gene Silencing, and Genome Editing to Control Fungal and Oomycete Diseases in Grapevine. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165701. [PMID: 32784854 PMCID: PMC7460970 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Downy mildew, powdery mildew, and grey mold are some of the phytopathological diseases causing economic losses in agricultural crops, including grapevine, worldwide. In the current scenario of increasing global warming, in which the massive use of agrochemicals should be limited, the management of fungal disease has become a challenge. The knowledge acquired on candidate resistant (R) genes having an active role in plant defense mechanisms has allowed numerous breeding programs to integrate these traits into selected cultivars, even though with some limits in the conservation of the proper qualitative characteristics of the original clones. Given their gene-specific mode of action, biotechnological techniques come to the aid of breeders, allowing them to generate simple and fast modifications in the host, without introducing other undesired genes. The availability of efficient gene transfer procedures in grapevine genotypes provide valid tools that support the application of new breeding techniques (NBTs). The expertise built up over the years has allowed the optimization of these techniques to overexpress genes that directly or indirectly limit fungal and oomycetes pathogens growth or silence plant susceptibility genes. Furthermore, the downregulation of pathogen genes which act as virulence effectors by exploiting the RNA interference mechanism, represents another biotechnological tool that increases plant defense. In this review, we summarize the most recent biotechnological strategies optimized and applied on Vitis species, aimed at reducing their susceptibility to the most harmful fungal and oomycetes diseases. The best strategy for combating pathogenic organisms is to exploit a holistic approach that fully integrates all these available tools.
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Ricci A, Sabbadini S, Prieto H, Padilla IM, Dardick C, Li Z, Scorza R, Limera C, Mezzetti B, Perez-Jimenez M, Burgos L, Petri C. Genetic Transformation in Peach ( Prunus persica L.): Challenges and Ways Forward. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 9:E971. [PMID: 32752031 PMCID: PMC7465125 DOI: 10.3390/plants9080971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Almost 30 years have passed since the first publication reporting regeneration of transformed peach plants. Nevertheless, the general applicability of genetic transformation of this species has not yet been established. Many strategies have been tested in order to obtain an efficient peach transformation system. Despite the amount of time and the efforts invested, the lack of success has significantly limited the utility of peach as a model genetic system for trees, despite its relatively short generation time; small, high-quality genome; and well-studied genetic resources. Additionally, the absence of efficient genetic transformation protocols precludes the application of many biotechnological tools in peach breeding programs. In this review, we provide an overview of research on regeneration and genetic transformation in this species and summarize novel strategies and procedures aimed at producing transgenic peaches. Promising future approaches to develop a robust peach transformation system are discussed, focusing on the main bottlenecks to success including the low efficiency of A. tumefaciens-mediated transformation, the low level of correspondence between cells competent for transformation and those that have regenerative competence, and the high rate of chimerism in the few shoots that are produced following transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Ricci
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Silvia Sabbadini
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Humberto Prieto
- Laboratorio de Biotecnología, La Platina Research Station, Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarias, Santa Rosa, La Pintana, Santiago 11610, Chile
| | - Isabel Mg Padilla
- Área de Genómica y Biotecnología, Grupo de Morfogénesis y Modificación Genética, IFAPA-Centro de Churriana, Cortijo de la Cruz s/n, 29140 Málaga, Spain
| | - Chris Dardick
- USDA-ARS-Appalachian Fruit Research Station, 2217 Wiltshire Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430, USA
| | - Zhijian Li
- USDA-ARS-Appalachian Fruit Research Station, 2217 Wiltshire Road, Kearneysville, WV 25430, USA
| | - Ralph Scorza
- Ralph Scorza LLC, Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Consulting Services, P.O. Box 1191, Shepherdstown, WV 25443, USA
| | - Cecilia Limera
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Bruno Mezzetti
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Margarita Perez-Jimenez
- Mejora Genética de Cítricos, Instituto Murciano de Investigación y Desarrollo Agroalimentario (IMIDA), C/ Mayor s/n, 30150 Murcia, Spain
| | - Lorenzo Burgos
- Departamento de Mejora Vegetal, Grupo de Biotecnología de Frutales, CEBAS-CSIC, Campus Universitario de Espinardo, 30100 Espinardo, Murcia, Spain
| | - Cesar Petri
- Departamento de Fruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea, IHSM-UMA-CSIC, Avenida Dr. Wienberg, s/n. 29750 Algarrobo-Costa, Málaga, Spain
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Poles L, Licciardello C, Distefano G, Nicolosi E, Gentile A, La Malfa S. Recent Advances of In Vitro Culture for the Application of New Breeding Techniques in Citrus. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 9:E938. [PMID: 32722179 PMCID: PMC7465985 DOI: 10.3390/plants9080938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Citrus is one of the most important fruit crops in the world. This review will discuss the recent findings related to citrus transformation and regeneration protocols of juvenile and adult explants. Despite the many advances that have been made in the last years (including the use of inducible promoters and site-specific recombination systems), transformation efficiency, and regeneration potential still represent a bottleneck in the application of the new breeding techniques in commercial citrus varieties. The influence of genotype, explant type, and other factors affecting the regeneration and transformation of the most used citrus varieties will be described, as well as some examples of how these processes can be applied to improve fruit quality and resistance to various pathogens and pests, including the potential of using genome editing in citrus. The availability of efficient regeneration and transformation protocols, together with the availability of the source of resistance, is made even more important in light of the fast diffusion of emerging diseases, such as Huanglongbing (HLB), which is seriously challenging citriculture worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Poles
- Food and Environment (Di3A), Department of Agriculture, University of Catania, Via Valdisavoia 5, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.P.); (G.D.); (E.N.); (S.L.M.)
- CREA, Research Centre for Olive, Fruit and Citrus Crops, Corso Savoia 190, 95024 Acireale, Italy;
| | - Concetta Licciardello
- CREA, Research Centre for Olive, Fruit and Citrus Crops, Corso Savoia 190, 95024 Acireale, Italy;
| | - Gaetano Distefano
- Food and Environment (Di3A), Department of Agriculture, University of Catania, Via Valdisavoia 5, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.P.); (G.D.); (E.N.); (S.L.M.)
| | - Elisabetta Nicolosi
- Food and Environment (Di3A), Department of Agriculture, University of Catania, Via Valdisavoia 5, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.P.); (G.D.); (E.N.); (S.L.M.)
| | - Alessandra Gentile
- Food and Environment (Di3A), Department of Agriculture, University of Catania, Via Valdisavoia 5, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.P.); (G.D.); (E.N.); (S.L.M.)
- College of Horticulture and Landscape, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Stefano La Malfa
- Food and Environment (Di3A), Department of Agriculture, University of Catania, Via Valdisavoia 5, 95123 Catania, Italy; (L.P.); (G.D.); (E.N.); (S.L.M.)
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Arpaia S, Christiaens O, Giddings K, Jones H, Mezzetti B, Moronta-Barrios F, Perry JN, Sweet JB, Taning CNT, Smagghe G, Dietz-Pfeilstetter A. Biosafety of GM Crop Plants Expressing dsRNA: Data Requirements and EU Regulatory Considerations. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:940. [PMID: 32670333 PMCID: PMC7327110 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The use of RNA interference (RNAi) enables the silencing of target genes in plants or plant-dwelling organisms, through the production of double stranded RNA (dsRNA) resulting in altered plant characteristics. Expression of properly synthesized dsRNAs in plants can lead to improved crop quality characteristics or exploit new mechanisms with activity against plant pests and pathogens. Genetically modified (GM) crops exhibiting resistance to viruses or insects via expression of dsRNA have received authorization for cultivation outside Europe. Some products derived from RNAi plants have received a favourable opinion from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) for import and processing in the European Union (EU). The authorization process in the EU requires applicants to produce a risk assessment considering food/feed and environmental safety aspects of living organisms or their derived food and feed products. The present paper discusses the main aspects of the safety assessment (comparative assessment, molecular characterization, toxicological assessment, nutritional assessment, gene transfer, interaction with target and non-target organisms) for GM plants expressing dsRNA, according to the guidelines of EFSA. Food/feed safety assessment of products from RNAi plants is expected to be simplified, in the light of the consideration that no novel proteins are produced. Therefore, some of the data requirements for risk assessment do not apply to these cases, and the comparative compositional analysis becomes the main source of evidence for food/feed safety of RNAi plants. During environmental risk assessment, the analysis of dsRNA expression levels of the GM trait, and the data concerning the observable effects on non-target organisms (NTO) will provide the necessary evidence for ensuring safety of species exposed to RNAi plants. Bioinformatics may provide support to risk assessment by selecting target gene sequences with low similarity to the genome of NTOs possibly exposed to dsRNA. The analysis of these topics in risk assessment indicates that the science-based regulatory process in Europe is considered to be applicable to GM RNAi plants, therefore the evaluation of their safety can be effectively conducted without further modifications. Outcomes from the present paper offer suggestions for consideration in future updates of the EFSA Guidance documents on risk assessment of GM organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salvatore Arpaia
- ENEA, Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development, Rotondella, Italy
| | - Olivier Christiaens
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kara Giddings
- Bayer, Crop Science R&D Regulatory Science, Chesterfield, MO, United States
| | - Huw Jones
- Translational Genomics for Plant Breeding, Aberystwyth University, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Bruno Mezzetti
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Clauvis N. T. Taning
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Antje Dietz-Pfeilstetter
- Institute for Biosafety in Plant Biotechnology, Julius Kühn-Institut, Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Braunschweig, Germany
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Basso MF, Arraes FBM, Grossi-de-Sa M, Moreira VJV, Alves-Ferreira M, Grossi-de-Sa MF. Insights Into Genetic and Molecular Elements for Transgenic Crop Development. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:509. [PMID: 32499796 PMCID: PMC7243915 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Climate change and the exploration of new areas of cultivation have impacted the yields of several economically important crops worldwide. Both conventional plant breeding based on planned crosses between parents with specific traits and genetic engineering to develop new biotechnological tools (NBTs) have allowed the development of elite cultivars with new features of agronomic interest. The use of these NBTs in the search for agricultural solutions has gained prominence in recent years due to their rapid generation of elite cultivars that meet the needs of crop producers, and the efficiency of these NBTs is closely related to the optimization or best use of their elements. Currently, several genetic engineering techniques are used in synthetic biotechnology to successfully improve desirable traits or remove undesirable traits in crops. However, the features, drawbacks, and advantages of each technique are still not well understood, and thus, these methods have not been fully exploited. Here, we provide a brief overview of the plant genetic engineering platforms that have been used for proof of concept and agronomic trait improvement, review the major elements and processes of synthetic biotechnology, and, finally, present the major NBTs used to improve agronomic traits in socioeconomically important crops.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabrício Barbosa Monteiro Arraes
- Plant Biotechnology, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Brazil
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Maíra Grossi-de-Sa
- Plant Biotechnology, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Valdeir Junio Vaz Moreira
- Plant Biotechnology, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Brazil
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Maria Fatima Grossi-de-Sa
- Plant Biotechnology, Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, Brasília, Brazil
- Department of Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
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Muccilli V, Vitale A, Sheng L, Gentile A, Cardullo N, Tringali C, Oliveri C, La Rosa R, Di Guardo M, La Malfa S, Deng Z, Distefano G. Substantial Equivalence of a Transgenic Lemon Fruit Showing Postharvest Fungal Pathogens Resistance. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2020; 68:3806-3816. [PMID: 32096635 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.9b07925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The development of genetically modified (GM) crops speeds up the obtainment of novel varieties with improved agronomic characteristics. However, the risk evaluation of the use of GMs is mandatory before their release in the market. In this paper, an untargeted and comprehensive nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomic study was carried out on the peel and flesh of a transgenic lemon clone (E23) expressing the chit42 gene and exhibiting an increased tolerance to some pathogenic fungi and on its wild type. Results highlighted a substantial equivalence of the metabolomics profile of the transgenic clone compared to the wild type. In addition, an enhanced response of the E23 clone toward fungal pathogens affecting the postharvest management in lemon was evidenced. These results confirm the potential of genetic engineering for the punctual modification of specific agronomic traits without altering the whole pattern of metabolites and open new perspectives for a more sustainable and effective management of specific postharvest diseases in citrus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Muccilli
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vitale
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Ling Sheng
- College of Horticulture and Landscape, Hunan Agricultural University, 410128 Changsha, China
| | - Alessandra Gentile
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- College of Horticulture and Landscape, Hunan Agricultural University, 410128 Changsha, China
| | - Nunzio Cardullo
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Corrado Tringali
- Department of Chemical Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Cinzia Oliveri
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Rosa La Rosa
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Mario Di Guardo
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Stefano La Malfa
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Ziniu Deng
- College of Horticulture and Landscape, Hunan Agricultural University, 410128 Changsha, China
| | - Gaetano Distefano
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
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Taning CN, Arpaia S, Christiaens O, Dietz-Pfeilstetter A, Jones H, Mezzetti B, Sabbadini S, Sorteberg HG, Sweet J, Ventura V, Smagghe G. RNA-based biocontrol compounds: current status and perspectives to reach the market. PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE 2020. [PMID: 31743573 DOI: 10.1007/s10340-020-01238-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Facing current climate challenges and drastically reduced chemical options for plant protection, the exploitation of RNA interference (RNAi) as an agricultural biotechnology tool has unveiled possible new solutions to the global problems of agricultural losses caused by pests and other biotic and abiotic stresses. While the use of RNAi as a tool in agriculture is still limited to a few transgenic crops, and only adopted in restricted parts of the world, scientists and industry are already seeking innovations in leveraging and exploiting the potential of RNAi in the form of RNA-based biocontrol compounds for external applications. Here, we highlight the expanding research and development pipeline, commercial landscape and regulatory environment surrounding the pursuit of RNA-based biocontrol compounds with improved environmental profiles. The commitments of well-established agrochemical companies to invest in research endeavours and the role of start-up companies are crucial for the successful development of practical applications for these compounds. Additionally, the availability of standardized guidelines to tackle regulatory ambiguities surrounding RNA-based biocontrol compounds will help to facilitate the entire commercialization process. Finally, communication to create awareness and public acceptance will be key to the deployment of these compounds. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clauvis Nt Taning
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Salvatore Arpaia
- Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA), DTE-BBC, Rotondella, Italy
| | - Olivier Christiaens
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Antje Dietz-Pfeilstetter
- Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI), Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Institute for Biosafety in Plant Biotechnology, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Huw Jones
- IBERS, Aberystwyth University, Aberystwyth, Wales, UK
| | - Bruno Mezzetti
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche (UPM), Ancona, Italy
| | - Silvia Sabbadini
- Department of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche (UPM), Ancona, Italy
| | | | | | - Vera Ventura
- Department of Environmental Science and Policy, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Guy Smagghe
- Laboratory of Agrozoology, Department of Plants and Crops, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Basso MF, Lourenço-Tessutti IT, Busanello C, Pinto CEM, de Oliveira Freitas E, Ribeiro TP, de Almeida Engler J, de Oliveira AC, Morgante CV, Alves-Ferreira M, Grossi-de-Sa MF. Insights obtained using different modules of the cotton uceA1.7 promoter. PLANTA 2020; 251:56. [PMID: 32006110 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-020-03348-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The structure of the cotton uceA1.7 promoter and its modules was analyzed; the potential of their key sequences has been confirmed in different tissues, proving to be a good candidate for the development of new biotechnological tools. Transcriptional promoters are among the primary genetic engineering elements used to control genes of interest (GOIs) associated with agronomic traits. Cotton uceA1.7 was previously characterized as a constitutive promoter with activity higher than that of the constitutive promoter from the Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S gene in various plant tissues. In this study, we generated Arabidopsis thaliana homozygous events stably overexpressing the gfp reporter gene driven by different modules of the uceA1.7 promoter. The expression level of the reporter gene in different plant tissues and the transcriptional stability of these modules was determined compared to its full-length promoter and the 35S promoter. The full-length uceA1.7 promoter exhibited higher activity in different plant tissues compared to the 35S promoter. Two modules of the promoter produced a low and unstable transcription level compared to the other promoters. The other two modules rich in cis-regulatory elements showed similar activity levels to full-length uceA1.7 and 35S promoters but were less stable. This result suggests the location of a minimal portion of the promoter that is required to initiate transcription properly (the core promoter). Additionally, the full-length uceA1.7 promoter containing the 5'-untranslated region (UTR) is essential for higher transcriptional stability in various plant tissues. These findings confirm the potential use of the full-length uceA1.7 promoter for the development of new biotechnological tools (NBTs) to achieve higher expression levels of GOIs in, for example, the root or flower bud for the efficient control of phytonematodes and pest-insects, respectively, in important crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Fernando Basso
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, PqEB Final, W5 Norte, PO Box 02372, Brasília, DF, 70770-901, Brazil.
| | | | - Carlos Busanello
- Federal University of Pelotas, Capão Do Leão, RS, 96160-000, Brazil
| | - Clidia Eduarda Moreira Pinto
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, PqEB Final, W5 Norte, PO Box 02372, Brasília, DF, 70770-901, Brazil
- Federal University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Elínea de Oliveira Freitas
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, PqEB Final, W5 Norte, PO Box 02372, Brasília, DF, 70770-901, Brazil
- Federal University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Thuanne Pires Ribeiro
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, PqEB Final, W5 Norte, PO Box 02372, Brasília, DF, 70770-901, Brazil
| | | | | | - Carolina Vianna Morgante
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, PqEB Final, W5 Norte, PO Box 02372, Brasília, DF, 70770-901, Brazil
- Embrapa Semi Arid, Petrolina, PE, 56302-970, Brazil
| | | | - Maria Fatima Grossi-de-Sa
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology, PqEB Final, W5 Norte, PO Box 02372, Brasília, DF, 70770-901, Brazil.
- Catholic University of Brasília, Brasília, DF, 71966-700, Brazil.
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García-Fortea E, Lluch-Ruiz A, Pineda-Chaza BJ, García-Pérez A, Bracho-Gil JP, Plazas M, Gramazio P, Vilanova S, Moreno V, Prohens J. A highly efficient organogenesis protocol based on zeatin riboside for in vitro regeneration of eggplant. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2020; 20:6. [PMID: 31906864 PMCID: PMC6945591 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-019-2215-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Efficient organogenesis induction in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) is required for multiple in vitro culture applications. In this work, we aimed at developing a universal protocol for efficient in vitro regeneration of eggplant mainly based on the use of zeatin riboside (ZR). We evaluated the effect of seven combinations of ZR with indoleacetic acid (IAA) for organogenic regeneration in five genetically diverse S. melongena and one S. insanum L. accessions using two photoperiod conditions. In addition, the effect of six different concentrations of indolebutyric acid (IBA) in order to promote rooting was assessed to facilitate subsequent acclimatization of plants. The ploidy level of regenerated plants was studied. RESULTS In a first experiment with accessions MEL1 and MEL3, significant (p < 0.05) differences were observed for the four factors evaluated for organogenesis from cotyledon, hypocotyl and leaf explants, with the best results obtained (9 and 11 shoots for MEL1 and MEL3, respectively) using cotyledon tissue, 16 h light / 8 h dark photoperiod conditions, and medium E6 (2 mg/L of ZR and 0 mg/L of IAA). The best combination of conditions was tested in the other four accessions and confirmed its high regeneration efficiency per explant when using both cotyledon and hypocotyl tissues. The best rooting media was R2 (1 mg/L IBA). The analysis of ploidy level revealed that between 25 and 50% of the regenerated plantlets were tetraploid. CONCLUSIONS An efficient protocol for organogenesis of both cultivated and wild accessions of eggplant, based on the use of ZR, is proposed. The universal protocol developed may be useful for fostering in vitro culture applications in eggplant requiring regeneration of plants and, in addition, allows developing tetraploid plants without the need of antimitotic chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgar García-Fortea
- Instituto Universitario de Conservación y Mejora de la Agrodiversidad Valenciana, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camí de Vera s/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Agustín Lluch-Ruiz
- Instituto Universitario de Conservación y Mejora de la Agrodiversidad Valenciana, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camí de Vera s/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Benito José Pineda-Chaza
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana García-Pérez
- Instituto Universitario de Conservación y Mejora de la Agrodiversidad Valenciana, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camí de Vera s/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan Pablo Bracho-Gil
- Instituto Universitario de Conservación y Mejora de la Agrodiversidad Valenciana, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camí de Vera s/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mariola Plazas
- Instituto Universitario de Conservación y Mejora de la Agrodiversidad Valenciana, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camí de Vera s/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Pietro Gramazio
- Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, 305-8572, Japan
| | - Santiago Vilanova
- Instituto Universitario de Conservación y Mejora de la Agrodiversidad Valenciana, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camí de Vera s/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Moreno
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular de Plantas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat Politècnica de València, 46022, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jaime Prohens
- Instituto Universitario de Conservación y Mejora de la Agrodiversidad Valenciana, Universitat Politècnica de València, Camí de Vera s/n, 46022, Valencia, Spain.
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Salonia F, Ciacciulli A, Poles L, Pappalardo HD, La Malfa S, Licciardello C. New Plant Breeding Techniques in Citrus for the Improvement of Important Agronomic Traits. A Review. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:1234. [PMID: 32922420 PMCID: PMC7456868 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.01234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
New plant breeding techniques (NPBTs) aim to overcome traditional breeding limits for fruit tree species, in order to obtain new varieties with improved organoleptic traits and resistance to biotic and abiotic stress, and to maintain fruit quality achieved over centuries by (clonal) selection. Knowledge on the gene(s) controlling a specific trait is essential for the use of NPBTs, such as genome editing and cisgenesis. In the framework of the international scientific community working on fruit tree species, including citrus, NPBTs have mainly been applied to address pathogen threats. Citrus could take advantage of NPBTs because of its complex species biology (seedlessness, apomixis, high heterozygosity, and long juvenility phase) and aptitude for in vitro manipulation. To our knowledge, genome editing in citrus via transgenesis has successful for induced resistance to Citrus bacterial canker in sweet orange and grapefruit using the resistance gene CsLOB1. In the future, NPBTs will also be used to improve fruit traits, making them healthier. The regeneration of plants following the application of NPBTs is a bottleneck, making it necessary to optimize the efficiency of current protocols. The strengths and weaknesses of using explants from young in vitro plantlets, and from mature plants, will be discussed. Other major issues addressed in this review are related to the requirement for marker-free systems and shortening the long juvenility phase. This review aims to summarize methods and approaches available in the literature that are suitable to citrus, focusing on the principles observed before the use of NPBTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Salonia
- CREA - Research Centre for Olive, Fruit and Citrus Crops, Acireale, Italy
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Angelo Ciacciulli
- CREA - Research Centre for Olive, Fruit and Citrus Crops, Acireale, Italy
| | - Lara Poles
- CREA - Research Centre for Olive, Fruit and Citrus Crops, Acireale, Italy
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Stefano La Malfa
- Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- *Correspondence: Stefano La Malfa, ; Concetta Licciardello,
| | - Concetta Licciardello
- CREA - Research Centre for Olive, Fruit and Citrus Crops, Acireale, Italy
- *Correspondence: Stefano La Malfa, ; Concetta Licciardello,
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48
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Moradpour M, Abdulah SNA. CRISPR/dCas9 platforms in plants: strategies and applications beyond genome editing. PLANT BIOTECHNOLOGY JOURNAL 2020; 18:32-44. [PMID: 31392820 PMCID: PMC6920162 DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) and Cas9-associated protein systems provide a powerful genetic manipulation tool that can drive plant research forward. Nuclease-dead Cas9 (dCas9) is an enzymatically inactive mutant of Cas9 in which its endonuclease activity is non-functional. The applications of CRISPR/dCas9 have expanded and diversified in recent years. Originally, dCas9 was used as a CRISPR/Cas9 re-engineering tool that enables targeted expression of any gene or multiple genes through recruitment of transcriptional effector domains without introducing irreversible DNA-damaging mutations. Subsequent applications have made use of its ability to recruit modifying enzymes and reporter proteins to DNA target sites. In this paper, the most recent progress in the applications of CRISPR/dCas9 in plants, which include gene activation and repression, epigenome editing, modulation of chromatin topology, live-cell chromatin imaging and DNA-free genetic modification, will be reviewed. The associated strategies for exploiting the CRISPR/dCas9 system for crop improvement with a dimer of the future of the CRISPR/dCas9 system in the functional genomics of crops and the development of traits will be briefly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Moradpour
- Laboratory of Science and TechnologyInstitute of Plantation StudiesUniversiti Putra MalaysiaSerdangSelangorMalaysia
| | - Siti Nor Akmar Abdulah
- Laboratory of Science and TechnologyInstitute of Plantation StudiesUniversiti Putra MalaysiaSerdangSelangorMalaysia
- Department of Agricultural TechnologyFaculty of AgricultureUniversiti Putra MalaysiaSerdangSelangorMalaysia
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49
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Sun L, Ke F, Nie Z, Wang P, Xu J. Citrus Genetic Engineering for Disease Resistance: Past, Present and Future. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E5256. [PMID: 31652763 PMCID: PMC6862092 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20215256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, citrus is one of the most important fruit crops and is grown in more than 130 countries, predominantly in tropical and subtropical areas. The healthy progress of the citrus industry has been seriously affected by biotic and abiotic stresses. Several diseases, such as canker and huanglongbing, etc., rigorously affect citrus plant growth, fruit quality, and yield. Genetic engineering technologies, such as genetic transformation and genome editing, represent successful and attractive approaches for developing disease-resistant crops. These genetic engineering technologies have been widely used to develop citrus disease-resistant varieties against canker, huanglongbing, and many other fungal and viral diseases. Recently, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based systems have made genome editing an indispensable genetic manipulation tool that has been applied to many crops, including citrus. The improved CRISPR systems, such as CRISPR/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas)9 and CRISPR/Cpf1 systems, can provide a promising new corridor for generating citrus varieties that are resistant to different pathogens. The advances in biotechnological tools and the complete genome sequence of several citrus species will undoubtedly improve the breeding for citrus disease resistance with a much greater degree of precision. Here, we attempt to summarize the recent successful progress that has been achieved in the effective application of genetic engineering and genome editing technologies to obtain citrus disease-resistant (bacterial, fungal, and virus) crops. Furthermore, we also discuss the opportunities and challenges of genetic engineering and genome editing technologies for citrus disease resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lifang Sun
- Institute of Citrus Research, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Taizhou 318026, China.
- National Center for Citrus Variety Improvement, Zhejiang Branch, Taizhou 318026, China.
| | - Fuzhi Ke
- Institute of Citrus Research, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Taizhou 318026, China.
- National Center for Citrus Variety Improvement, Zhejiang Branch, Taizhou 318026, China.
| | - Zhenpeng Nie
- Institute of Citrus Research, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Taizhou 318026, China.
- National Center for Citrus Variety Improvement, Zhejiang Branch, Taizhou 318026, China.
| | - Ping Wang
- Institute of Citrus Research, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Taizhou 318026, China.
- National Center for Citrus Variety Improvement, Zhejiang Branch, Taizhou 318026, China.
| | - Jianguo Xu
- Institute of Citrus Research, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Taizhou 318026, China.
- National Center for Citrus Variety Improvement, Zhejiang Branch, Taizhou 318026, China.
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Lebedev V. The Rooting of Stem Cuttings and the Stability of uidA Gene Expression in Generative and Vegetative Progeny of Transgenic Pear Rootstock in the Field. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 8:E291. [PMID: 31430873 PMCID: PMC6724118 DOI: 10.3390/plants8080291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Adventitious rooting plays an important role in the commercial vegetative propagation of trees. Adventitious root formation is a complex biological process, but knowledge of the possible unintended effects induced by both the integration/expression of transgenes and in vitro conditions on the rooting is limited. The long-term stability of transgene expression is important both for original transformants of woody plants and its progeny. In this study, we used field-grown pear rootstock GP217 trees transformed with the reporter ß-glucuronidase (uidA) genes with and without intron and re-transformed with the herbicide resistance bar gene as model systems. We assessed the unintended effects on rooting of pear semi-hardwood cuttings and evaluated the stability of transgene expression in progeny produced by generative (seedlings) and vegetative (grafting, cutting) means up to four years. Our investigation revealed that: (1) The single and repeated transformations of clonal pear rootstocks did not result in unintended effects on adventitious root formation in cuttings; (2) stability of the transgene expression was confirmed on both generative and vegetative progeny, and no silenced transgenic plants were detected; (3) yearly variation in the gene expressions was observed and expression levels were decreased in extremely hot and dry summer; (4) the intron enhanced the expression of uidA gene in pear plants approximately two-fold compared to gene without intron. The current study provides useful information on transgene expression in progeny of fruit trees under natural environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vadim Lebedev
- Branch of the Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Science avenue 6, Pushchino, Moscow Region 142290, Russia.
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