Double-stranded RNA prevents and cures infection by rust fungi.

ABSTRACT: Fungal pathogens that impact perennial plants or natural ecosystems require management strategies beyond fungicides and breeding for resistance. Rust fungi, some of the most economically and environmentally important plant pathogens, have shown amenability to double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) mediated control. To date, dsRNA treatments have been applied prior to infection or together with the inoculum. Here we show that a dsRNA spray can effectively prevent and cure infection by Austropuccinia psidii (cause of myrtle rust) at different stages of the disease cycle. Significant reductions in disease coverage were observed in plants treated with dsRNA targeting essential fungal genes 48 h pre-infection through to 14 days post-infection. For curative treatments, improvements in plant health and phot

SUBMITTER: Degnan RM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10700371 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature