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Forskningsartikel2001Vetenskapligt granskad

Identification of candidate genes for use in molecular breeding - A case study with the Norway spruce defensin-like gene, Spi 1

Elfstrand M, Fossdal CG, Swedjemark G, Clapham D, Olsson O, Sitbon F, Sharma P, Lonneborg A, von Arnold S

Sammanfattning

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.

Nyckelord

molecular breeding; Norway spruce; plant defensin; transformation

Publicerad i

Silvae Genetica
2001, Volym: 50, nummer: 2, sidor: 75-81