This Antiviral agent developed by Germany based researchers using RNA silencing provides protection against cucumber mosaic virus (CMV).
- In India, CMV is responsible for 25-30% yield losses in banana plantations.
Techniques used by researchers to strengthen plant immunity against CMV:
- Researchers explored RNA-based crop protection techniques such as:
- Host-Induced Gene Silencing (HIGS):
- It works by genetically modifying plants to produce virus-fighting double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) in their own cells.
- This provides continuous protection throughout the plant’s life.
- Spray-Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS): In this, Plants are treated with RNA sprays .Leaves absorb the RNA, triggering plant’s natural immune response without altering its DNA.
- Host-Induced Gene Silencing (HIGS):
How Plants’ natural defense mechanisms works against viruses using RNA Silencing:
- When a virus infects a plant, it introduces dsRNA, which acts like a warning signal for the plant.
- The plant responds by activating Dicer-like enzymes (DCLs), which slice the dsRNA into small fragments called small interfering RNAs (siRNAs).
- These siRNAs then guide plant’s defense system to destroy viral RNA.
- Not all siRNA generated by plants are effective and virus often mutates rapidly, evading plant’s natural defences.
What is RNA Silencing:
|
