Active Substances Stimulating RNA Silencing for Plant Virus Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling plant virus infections are largely preventive and lack effective curative treatments, with a need for active substances that can stimulate the RNA-silencing-based natural defense mechanism in plants to manage viral diseases.
Innovation Solution
The use of compounds of formula (I), such as Sortin1, which are applied to plants to stimulate their RNA-silencing-based defense mechanism by increasing small RNA production, thereby enhancing the plant's innate immune response against viruses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If preventive measures are used to control plant virus infections, then virus spread is limited, but curative treatment efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by inducing systemic acquired resistance (SAR) in plants before virus infection occurs. The compound of formula (I) is applied to plants to activate defense mechanisms in advance, creating a protective state that enables both prevention and curative effects when infection occurs, thereby resolving the contradiction between preventive reliability and curative capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a chemical compound (formula (I)) that acts as a mediator between the plant's natural defense system and the virus threat. This compound intermediates the activation of SAR and RNA silencing pathways, enabling the plant to mount an effective curative response while maintaining preventive capabilities
2Adaptability or versatility
If RNA silencing pathway is stimulated to enhance defense against viruses, then resistance against wide range of viruses is improved, but small RNA production must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using the compound of formula (I) to alter the quantity and activity parameters of small RNAs in the plant system. The compound increases small RNA production levels and enhances their silencing activity, thereby achieving broad-spectrum virus resistance through modified RNA-related parameters without requiring genetic modification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs self-service by stimulating the plant's own endogenous RNA silencing machinery to produce the necessary small RNAs for defense. Rather than introducing external genetic elements, the compound activates the plant's inherent capability to generate antiviral small RNAs, making the system self-sufficient in producing the required substances for broad-spectrum resistance
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
These compounds effectively stimulate the RNA-silencing pathway, leading to increased resistance against a wide range of viruses, as demonstrated by enhanced chlorosis in reporter plants and reduced viral transcript levels, providing both preventive and curative control of viral diseases.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention also pertains to the use of active substances for activating the RNA-interference-based natural defense mechanism (also designated herein as RNA-silencing-based natural defense mechanism) of plants against viruses
Implementation Method 2
RNA silencing is a mechanism that directly defends plant host cells against exogenous nucleic acids, including viruses and transposable elements. This defense is triggered by double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), derived from amplification of invasive nucleic acids, which is processed by the host into small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that are 20-24 nucleotides (nt) in size
Implementation Method 3
In addition, pathogen detection triggers various inducible systemic defenses, in parts of the plant distant from the primary infection site. This process, known as Systemic Acquired Resistance (SAR), is effective in many plant species
Implementation Method 4
Upon pathogen recognition, plants often initiate hypersensitive response, leading to cell death at the infection site and preventing the pathogen from spreading
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The use of specific active substances, alone or in combination, for controlling virus infections in plants and a method for using said specific active substances for controlling said virus infections in the field of plant protection and the protection of materials are disclosed.