Double‐stranded RNA targeting fungal ergosterol biosynthesis pathway controls Botrytis cinerea and postharvest grey mould

• DOI: 10.1111/pbi.13708
• Publication Date: 2021-09-14T16:10:11Z
• Authors: Danielle Duanis‐A...; Ortal Galsurker; Olga Davydov; Dalia Maurer; Oleg Feygenberg; Moshe Sagi; Elena Poverenov; Robert Fluhr; Noam Alkan
• Keywords: RNA Silencing; Ergosterol

Pathogenic fungi cause major postharvest losses. During storage and ripening, fruit becomes highly susceptible to that disease. Fungicides are effective treatments limit However, due increased public concern for their possible side effects, there is a need develop new strategies control fungal pathogens. Botrytis cinerea, common pathogen, was shown uptake small double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules from the host plant. Such dsRNA can regulate gene expression through interference system. This work aimed synthetic simultaneously targeting three essential transcripts active in ergosterol biosynthesis pathway (dsRNA-ERG). Our results show initial of emergence zone germination tube spreads throughout fungus down-regulation all targeted transcripts. Application dsRNA-ERG decreased B. cinerea growth vitro conditions various fruits, leading reduce grey-mould decay. The inhibition or decay reversed by addition ergosterol. While dual treatment with ergosterol-inhibitor fungicide reduced 100-fold required amount achieve same protection rate. application induced systemic as development at inoculation points distant point tomato pepper fruits. Overall, this study suggests effectively suggesting its efficacy future method