Virus-induced gene silencing of Mlo genes induces powdery mildew resistance in Triticum aestivum

• DOI: 10.1007/s00705-012-1286-y
• Publication Date: 2012-03-23T16:02:05Z
• Authors: Éva Várallyay; Gábor Giczey; József Burgyán
• Keywords: Blumeria graminis; RNA Silencing

Powdery mildew is one of the most important cereal diseases worldwide. Genetic analysis has revealed that mutant alleles of the Mlo gene cause broad-spectrum resistance against this pathogen in barley. In this study, the possibility of inducing broad-spectrum powdery mildew resistance against this pathogen by RNAi of the barley Mlo ortholog in wheat was examined using virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS). A clear correlation was found between resistance and accumulation of Mlo-specific siRNAs, raising the possibility of designing powdery mildew resistance in wheat by RNA silencing using both transgenic and non-transgenic approaches.