Viruses, Vol. 13, Pages 662: Induction of Plant Resistance in Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) against Tomato Spotted Wilt Orthotospovirus through Foliar Application of dsRNA

Viruses, Vol. 13, Pages 662: Induction of Plant Resistance in Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) against Tomato Spotted Wilt Orthotospovirus through Foliar Application of dsRNA Viruses doi: 10.3390/v13040662 Authors: Naga Charan Konakalla Sudeep Bag Anushi Suwaneththiya Deraniyagala Albert K. Culbreath Hanu R. Pappu Thrips-transmitted tomato spotted wilt orthotospovirus (TSWV) continues to be a constraint to peanut, pepper, tobacco, and tomato production in Georgia and elsewhere. TSWV is being managed by an integrated disease management strategy that includes a combination of cultural practices, vector management, and growing virus-resistant varieties where available. We used a non-transgenic strategy to induce RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated resistance in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants against TSWV. Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules for the NSs (silencing suppressor) and N (nucleoprotein) genes were produced by a two-step PCR approach followed by in vitro transcription. When topically applied to tobacco leaves, both molecules elicited a resistance response. Host response to the treatments was measured by determining the time to symptom expression, and the level of resistance by absolute quantification of the virus. We also show the systemic movement of dsRNA_N from the inoculated leaves to younger, non-inoculated leaves. Post-application, viral siRNAs were detected for up to nine days in inoculated leaves and up to six days in non-inoculated leaves. The top...
Source: Viruses - Category: Virology Authors: Tags: Brief Report Source Type: research