Spray-Induced Gene Silencing for Downy Mildew Control in Pea
- Reference number
- ID24-0080
- Project leader
- Vetukuri, Ramesh
- Start and end dates
- 250101-291231
- Amount granted
- 3 250 000 SEK
- Administrative organization
- Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
- Research area
- Life Sciences
Summary
The project aims to develop a sustainable method to control downy mildew in peas using Spray-Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS). SIGS utilizes RNA interference (RNAi) to silence essential pathogen genes by spraying double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) onto plant surfaces. Work Plan: Development of SIGS: Design and apply dsRNA constructs targeting critical P. pisi genes, utilizing high-throughput phenotyping to assess effectiveness. Mapping Cellular Changes via spatial transcriptomics, sRNA sequencing, and proteomics in pea plants post-dsRNA application. Understanding dsRNA Mechanisms: Investigate the uptake, processing, transport, and gene silencing mechanisms of dsRNA and sRNAs in both peas and P. pisi, focusing on the role of extracellular vesicles (EVs). Develop nano-delivery systems for precise dsRNA release and evaluate the ecological impact, ensuring biosafety and environmental sustainability. Expected Results: The project anticipates validating SIGS as a viable method for downy mildew control and elucidating the mechanisms of dsRNA transport. Advanced imaging techniques will map the spatial distribution of gene activity and sRNA interactions. Stable and effective dsRNA formulations, enhanced with clay nanosheets and virus-like particles (VLPs), will be developed. Comprehensive environmental assessments will ensure the sustainability and safety of SIGS applications. The project aims to provide practical recommendations for using dsRNAs in crop production.
Popular science description
New Method to Protect Pea Plants from Disease Peas are an important food crop around the world, but they often fall victim to a disease called downy mildew, caused by a plant pathogen, Peronospora pisi. This disease can seriously damage pea plants by reducing their yield and quality. Traditional chemical treatments to fight this disease have been banned in Europe due to environmental concerns, and the pathogen can also become resistant to these chemicals. This has created a pressing need for environmentally friendly ways to protect pea crops. This project is exploring an exciting new approach called Spray-Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS). Here's how it works: scientists spray double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) onto the pea plants. This dsRNA targets and silences specific genes in the pathogen, stopping it in its tracks. The method uses a natural process in cells called RNA interference (RNAi) to block the harmful genes from working. Goals of the Project 1.Develop SIGS: The team will create and apply special dsRNA sprays to attack key genes in the pathogen and check how well they work to control downy mildew. 2.Using advanced techniques, scientists will map how pea plants' cells change when treated with dsRNA, giving them a clear picture of how the plants respond at a microscopic level 3.Understand How dsRNA Works: The project will investigate how the dsRNA is taken up, processed, and moved within both the pea plants and the pathogen. This includes studying tiny molecules called small RNAs and how they travel in and between cells. 4.Create Better Delivery Systems: To make sure the dsRNA is stable and gets exactly where it's needed, the team will develop nano-delivery systems using materials like clay and tiny virus-like particles. They'll also study the ecological impact of these new methods to ensure they're safe for the environment. By the end of the project, the goal is to prove that SIGS is an eco-friendly way to control downy mildew. This new method could replace traditional fungicides for farmers. Researchers will use advanced imaging to see how dsRNA moves through the plants and conduct thorough environmental assessments to make sure the technique is safe. This project is being conducted as a PhD project in collaboration with the industry partner Findus, bringing together academic and industrial expertise to tackle this agricultural challenge. By working together, they aim to provide farmers with a practical, sustainable way to control pea diseases.