SBIR Phase II: Control of Lesion Nematodes by Transgenic RNA Interference

这个小企业创新研究（SBIR）第二阶段项目将使用RNA干扰（RNAi）通过沉默寄生虫中的基因来限制植物寄生虫病变线虫对玉米的损害。第一阶段表明，在文化中，特定的双链RNA（dsRNA）的表达病变基因限制线虫繁殖和根质量增加。在第二阶段，经验证的构建体将进行全植物转化。将在温室测定中测试表达dsRNA的转基因植物以控制病变线虫。与此同时，将使用经验证的实验室试验来选择下一代构建体。第二阶段研究的成功将证明田间试验计划的合理性。这项研究的更广泛的影响是通过商业化控制病变线虫的生物技术特性来增加玉米产量。农业面临着提高产量和确保作物供应的巨大压力。农作物的一个主要限制是破坏根系的寄生虫，在美国每年造成价值80亿美元的产量损失。在玉米中，没有线虫抗性的遗传来源。利用RNAi，我们的目标是创造生物技术特性，提供一个赛季的抗病变线虫。这种方法对种植者的好处包括增加产量，提高对干旱和胁迫的耐受性，降低投入成本和保护土壤微环境。对消费者的好处包括增加玉米的供应，提高食品和环境安全。

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will use RNA interference (RNAi) to limit damage to corn from the plant parasite lesion nematode by silencing genes in the parasite. Phase I demonstrated in culture that expression of specific double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) from lesion genes limited nematode reproduction and increased root mass. In Phase II, validated constructs will be progressed to whole plant transformation. Transgenic plants with expression of the dsRNAs will be tested in greenhouse assays for control of lesion nematode. In parallel, the validated laboratory assays validated will be used to select next-generation constructs. Success in Phase II research will justify a field trial program. The broader impact of this research is to increase corn yields by commercializing a biotechnology trait for control of lesion nematode. Agriculture is under tremendous pressure to achieve improved yields and ensure the availability of crops. A major limitation on crop are parasites that damage root systems causing annual yield losses valued at $8 billion in the U.S. Currently available nematicides are toxic. In corn, there are no genetic sources of nematode resistance. Using RNAi, we aim to create biotechnology traits that provide season-long resistance to lesion nematode. Benefits to this approach for the grower include increased yield, increased tolerance to drought and stress, decreased input cost and preservation of soil microenvironment. Benefits for consumers include increased availability of corn and enhanced food and environmental safety.