Abstract

In this study we have investigated whether the defensin-like gene spi 1, isolated from Norway spruce, contributes to quantitative disease resistance and is a suitable candidate for utilisation in Norway spruce breeding programmes. The following questions have been raised: (1) Can the putative defense gene, spi 1, improve the defense towards microbial pathogens in a model plant species, tobacco? (2) Is it possible to produce transgenic plants of Norway spruce that overexpress spi 1 and are less susceptible to the pathogenic fungus Heterobasidion annosum? Compared to control plants, tobacco plants expressing spi 1 under an enhanced CaMV 35S promoter permitted less growth of the bacterial pathogen Erwinia carotovora. Embryogenic cultures of Norway spruce were transformed with a similar construct. The general phenotype of regenerated transgenic plants was normal, although it was difficult to maintain certain sublines in culture owing to poor initial growth. Among the transformed plants those with the highest content of SPI 1 displayed reduced fungal growth in the sapwood after inoculation with H. annosum. In conclusion, the spi 1 gene increases resistance in both homologous and heterologous systems.

Keywords

molecular breeding; Norway spruce; plant defensin; transformation

Published in

Silvae Genetica
2001, Volume: 50, number: 2, pages: 75-81

SLU Authors

• Elfstrand, Malin

  • Department of Forest Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Clapham, David

  • Department of Forest Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Sitbon, Folke

  • Department of Plant Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Von Arnold, Sara

  • Department of Forest Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Botany
Forest Science


Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/42956