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RNA i‐based enhanced resistance to C owpea severe mosaic virus and C owpea aphid‐borne mosaic virus in transgenic cowpea
Author(s) -
Cruz A. R. R.,
Aragão F. J. L.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
plant pathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.928
H-Index - 85
eISSN - 1365-3059
pISSN - 0032-0862
DOI - 10.1111/ppa.12178
Subject(s) - biology , transgene , genetically modified crops , cucumber mosaic virus , virology , rna interference , vigna , rna , cowpea mosaic virus , virus , gene , mosaic virus , potyvirus , tobacco mosaic virus , plant virus , genetics , horticulture
Cowpea ( V igna unguiculata ) is one of the most important legumes cultivated in many parts of the world. The diseases caused by C owpea severe mosaic virus ( CPSMV ) and C owpea aphid‐borne mosaic virus ( CABMV ) are considered among the most important constraints on yield and quality, especially in L atin A merica and A frica. Here, the concept of using an RNA interference construct to silence the CPSMV proteinase cofactor gene and the CABMV coat protein gene is explored, in order to generate resistant transgenic cowpea plants. Ten cowpea transgenic lines were produced, presenting a normal phenotype and transferring the transgene to the next generation. Plants were tested for resistance to both CABMV and CPSMV by mechanical co‐inoculation. Seven lines presented milder symptoms when compared to the control and three lines presented enhanced resistance to both viruses. Northern analyses were carried out to detect the transgene‐derived small interfering RNA (si RNA ) in leaves and revealed no correlation between si RNA levels and virus resistance. Additionally, in the symptomless resistant lines the resistance was homozygosis‐dependent. Only homozygous plants remained uninfected while hemizygous plants presented milder symptoms.