Alpha-WOLF 27 Allele Resists Peronospora Effusa Races
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinach varieties are vulnerable to the latest identified races of Peronospora effusa, a major threat to the spinach industry, as they can break existing resistances, necessitating the development of new resistance genes to ensure crop productivity.
Innovation Solution
A new allelic variant of the Alpha-WOLF gene, designated alpha-WOLF 27, which encodes a CC-NBS-LRR protein, provides resistance to at least downy mildew races Pe:14, Pe:15, and Pe:17, and is used in breeding to confer resistance against Peronospora effusa, utilizing specific motifs and primer pairs for amplification and sequencing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing resistance genes are used in spinach varieties, then resistance to current Peronospora effusa races is maintained, but vulnerability to new races (Pe:14, Pe:15, Pe:17) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by identifying and utilizing allelic variants of the WOLF gene with different resistance specificities. The alpha-WOLF 27 allele confers resistance to races Pe:14, Pe:15, and Pe:17, while the beta-WOLF 19 allele provides resistance to races Pe:18 and Pe:19. By changing the allelic parameters of the resistance gene, the patent expands the resistance spectrum without compromising durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by demonstrating that the WOLF gene family (both alpha and beta variants) provides multi-functional resistance against multiple Peronospora effusa races. The alpha-WOLF and beta-WOLF genes can be combined in the same plant to provide broad-spectrum resistance, making the resistance system universally effective against diverse pathogen races.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new resistance genes are developed to cover latest races, then resistance spectrum expands, but breeding complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the resistance gene pool into distinct alpha-WOLF and beta-WOLF allelic variants, each with specific resistance profiles. This segmentation allows breeders to selectively combine alleles based on the target race spectrum, reducing breeding complexity compared to evaluating all possible resistance genes from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-characterizing the resistance specificities of different WOLF alleles against known Peronospora effusa races. This advance characterization creates a reference framework that guides breeding decisions, eliminating the need for extensive field testing of new resistance combinations and simplifying the breeding process.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an allele designated alpha-WOLF 27 which confers resistance to at least one Peronospora effusa race, wherein the protein encoded by said allele is a CC-NBS-LRR protein that comprises in its amino acid sequence: a) the motif “MAEIGYSVC” (SEQ ID NO: 1) at its N-terminus; and b) the motif “KWMCLR” (SEQ ID NO: 2); and wherein the LRR domain of the protein has in order of increased preference at least 95%, 95.5%, 96%, 96.5%, 97%, 97.5%, 98%, 98.5%, 99%, 99.5%, 100% sequence similarity to SEQ ID NO: 10. The allele when present in a spinach plant homozygously confers complete resistance to at least Peronospora effusa race Pe: 7, Pe: 8, Pe: 9, Pe: 11, Pe: 12, Pe: 13, Pe: 14, Pe: 15, Pe: 17.