2012
The use of VIGS technology to decrease yield-limiting stress in soybeans
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Contributor/Checkoff:
North Central Soybean Research Program
Category:
Sustainable Production
Keywords:
GeneticsGenomics
Parent Project:
Development of high-throughput DNA-based gene silencing technology for soybeans
Lead Principal Investigator:
John Hill, Iowa State University
Co-Principal Investigators:
Thomas Baum, Iowa State University
Leonor Leandro, Iowa State University
Steve Whitham, Iowa State University
Dean Malvick, University of Minnesota
Paul Esker, University of Wisconsin
Craig Grau, University of Wisconsin
Kerry Pedley, USDA/ARS-Fort Detrick, MD
Michelle Graham, USDA/ARS-Iowa State University
Randy Shoemaker, USDA/ARS-Iowa State University
+8 More
Project Code:
Contributing Organization (Checkoff):
North Central Soybean Research Program
(n/a)
Institution Funded:
Iowa State University
(n/a)
Brief Project Summary:

The project's goal is to understand the genetic pathways involved in biotic and abiotic stress resistance to enable the development of soybean germplasm with new defensive features that will lead to the breeding of soybean varieties that respond less to the variation of growing conditions. The VIGS technology uses bean pod mottle virus to carry pieces of soybean gene sequences into the plant to turn off (silence) requisite target genes. In this technology, a piece of a soybean gene is placed in the BPMV virus vector and inserted in the soybean genome. Thus, VIGS technology allows for rapid screening and assessing the function of the genes being tested.

Unique Keywords:
#breeding & genetics, #virus-inducted gene silencing
Information And Results
Project Deliverables

Final Project Results

• Expanded capabilities of the VIGS system to include co-expression of two genes, marker-assisted gene silencing, and targeting any sequence regardless of reading frame.

• Distributed vector system to over 35 labs in the U.S., Korea, Germany, Canada, England, Brazil, France, and India to facilitate sharing of resources for soybean investigators.

• Have constructed ca. 750 soybean target gene sequences into THE BPMV VIGS vector.

• Archived about 500 BPMV VIGS clones in infectious soybean tissue.

• Established a library of BPMV VIGS constructs available on SoyBase.

• Identified Replicative Protein A subunit 3A as the candidate gene involved in iron deficiency chlorosis on soybean chromosome 20.

• Identified one and perhaps two genes involved in SDS resistance using the culture filtrate assay after optimization of the assay.

• Continue efforts aimed at identification of resistance genes Rpp1, Rpp3, and Rpp5 against Asian soybean rust.

• Identified a MAP kinase 4 that had a severe effect on growth and development and resulted in resistance to Soybean mosaic virus (SMV) and downy mildew. Likely functions as a positive regulator of growth and negative regulator of salicylic acid accumulation.

• Determined if and how disease determinants in a pathogen (specifically SMV in this study) change when the pathogen is subject to selective pressure conferred by a resistance gene (in this study Rsv1).

• Screened 81 VIGS constructs to identify genes that play a role in Rsv1-mediated extreme resistance to SMV infection and identified 10 VIGS constructs that compromised Rsv1-mediated resistance to provide new insight into the soybean signaling network required for extreme resistance against SMV.

• Identified interaction of HC-Pro and P3 SMV genes with host Rsv1 resistance genes. Recognition of the resistance Rsv1 gene is important for understanding resistance in soybean.

• Demonstrated VIGS occurs in soybean shoots, roots, petioles, and flowers using a soybean line expressing GFP. Determined temporal factors involved in VIGS.

• Identified two soybean lines that are optimal for use of VIGS in the white mold assay.

• Held 6-month biennial VIGS meeting to discuss results, challenges, and chart direction and progress on May 25, 2011 and October 12, 2011. Approximately 30 – 35 scientists in attendance.

The United Soybean Research Retention policy will display final reports with the project once completed but working files will be purged after three years. And financial information after seven years. All pertinent information is in the final report or if you want more information, please contact the project lead at your state soybean organization or principal investigator listed on the project.