PSP RESEARCH OVERVIEW - CROP TRANSFORMATION (Cont.)

Genetically engineered resistance to rice yellow mottle virus

Rice yellow mottle disease, caused by rice yellow mottle virus (RYMV), is a major limiting factor in African rice production. Rice yellow mottle disease is increasing, especially in lowland rice, and there is a pressing need to find a solution.

PSP-funded research exploits the discovery that plants have a natural antiviral defence system that is conceptually similar to the immune system of mammals, although the underlying mechanism is quite distinct. This antiviral defence can be triggered not only by viruses, but also by transgenes based on viral genes. The mechanism, known as homology-dependent resistance, does not require the expression of protein from the resistance transgene. It is therefore possible to produce RYMV resistant transgenic plants that do not express viral proteins.

The approach results in a minimal and defined change to the rice genome with no detectable RNA (viral or transgene) or protein in the plants, thus greatly minimising conjectured hazards associated with their field release.

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