Host‐induced gene silencing inhibits the biotrophic pathogen causing downy mildew of lettuce

• DOI: 10.1111/pbi.12307
• Publication Date: 2014-12-09T16:49:48Z
• Authors: Manjula Govindara...; Lynn Epstein; Tadeusz Wroblewski; Richard W. Michel...
• Keywords: Oomycete; RNA Silencing

Summary Host‐induced gene silencing ( HIGS ) is an RNA interference‐based approach in which small interfering s (si s) are produced the host plant and subsequently move into pathogen to silence genes. As a proof‐of‐concept, we generated stable transgenic lettuce plants expressing si targeting potentially vital genes of Bremia lactucae , biotrophic oomycete that causes downy mildew, most important disease worldwide. Transgenic plants, inverted repeats fragments either Highly Abundant Message #34 HAM 34) or Cellulose Synthase CES 1 B. specifically suppressed expression these genes, resulting greatly reduced growth inhibition sporulation . This demonstrates can provide effective control lettuce; such does not rely on ephemeral resistance conferred by major therefore offers new opportunities for durable diverse diseases numerous crops.