SiRNA biogenesis and advances in topically applied dsRNA for controlling virus infections in tomato plants.

ABSTRACT: A non-transgenic approach based on RNA interference was employed to induce protection against tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) infection in tomato plants. dsRNA molecules targeting the cp gene of ToMV were topically applied on plants prior to virus inoculation. Protection was dose-dependent and sequence-specific. While no protection was achieved when 0-16 µg dsRNA were used, maximum rates of resistance (60 and 63%) were observed in doses of 200 and 400 µg/plant, respectively. Similar rates were also obtained against potato virus Y when targeting its cp gene. The protection was quickly activated upon dsRNA application and lasted for up to 4 days. In contrast, no detectable antiviral response was triggered by the dsRNA from a begomovirus genome, suggesting the method is not effective against phloe

SUBMITTER: Rego-Machado CM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7746768 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature