Maize MRCV Resistance via Molecular Marker Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mal de Rio Cuarto Virus (MRCV) causes significant yield losses in maize, with existing methods lacking effective solutions for resistance breeding, leading to substantial economic losses and crop damage.
Innovation Solution
The use of molecular markers and associated alleles linked to resistance to MRCV infection, allowing for the identification and selection of maize plants with enhanced resistance through marker-assisted selection, utilizing specific haplotypes and marker loci on chromosomes 4 and 5 to predict and breed for resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional breeding methods are used to develop resistance to MRCV, then resistance can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by identifying and characterizing resistance alleles and marker loci before the actual breeding process. Specific marker loci (e.g., PHM1718, PHM669, PHM11786, PHM8008 on chromosome 4; PHM15741, PHM12093, PHM15051, PHM8091, PHM6248, PHM9452, PHM12615, PHM5713, PHM6921, PHM1683, PHM17281 on chromosome 5) are established as predictors of resistance, allowing breeders to select for resistance traits early in the breeding process without waiting for phenotypic expression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/phenotypic selection methods with molecular marker-based selection. Instead of relying on visual inspection of plant symptoms or yield data, the invention uses DNA markers linked to resistance QTLs to identify resistant plants at the molecular level, dramatically accelerating the selection process and reducing breeding time.
2Measurement precision
If phenotypic selection is used to identify resistant plants, then resistance can be detected, but selection can only occur after significant time has passed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces molecular markers as intermediary elements that mediate between the resistance trait and the selection process. These markers (such as PHM1718, PHM669, PHM11786, PHM8008 on chromosome 4 and PHM15741, PHM12093, PHM15051, PHM8091, PHM6248, PHM9452, PHM12615, PHM5713, PHM6921, PHM1683, PHM17281 on chromosome 5) are physically linked to resistance QTLs and serve as detectable proxies that indicate the presence of resistance alleles without requiring phenotypic expression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes phenotypic detection methods with molecular detection methods. Instead of waiting for plants to express resistance symptoms or yield improvements, researchers use DNA-based marker analysis to detect resistance alleles at the genetic level, enabling early selection before phenotypic traits manifest.
3Reliability
If conventional breeding approaches are used, then resistance can be developed, but the rate of selection is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional phenotypic selection with molecular marker-assisted selection. By using DNA markers (PHM1718, PHM669, PHM11786, PHM8008 on chromosome 4; PHM15741, PHM12093, PHM15051, PHM8091, PHM6248, PHM9452, PHM12615, PHM5713, PHM6921, PHM1683, PHM17281 on chromosome 5) that are linked to resistance QTLs, the system enables rapid identification and selection of resistant plants based on their genetic composition rather than waiting for phenotypic expression, thereby dramatically increasing the rate of selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-identifying and characterizing resistance alleles and their associated marker loci before the breeding process begins. This allows the selection process to start from the beginning with molecular markers already established, enabling simultaneous progress on multiple selection criteria and accelerating the overall rate of resistant variety development.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to methods and compositions for identifying and/or selecting maize plants that have newly conferred resistance or enhanced resistance to, or are susceptible to, a Fijivirus, particularly Mal de Rio Cuarto Virus (MRCV) and/or Maize Rough Dwarf Virus (MRDV). The methods use molecular genetic markers to identify, select, and/or construct resistant plants or to identify and counter-select susceptible plants. Maize plants that display newly conferred resistance or enhanced resistance to a Fijivirus (or an infection or disease caused by the virus) that are generated by the methods of the invention are also a feature of the invention.