Melon Plants with MYaV Resistance via Wild Locus Introgression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Melon plants are susceptible to Melon Yellowing-associated Virus (MYaV), causing significant damage and infection, particularly in north-eastern Brazil, with no existing resistance sources available, leading to the use of costly protective measures like spunbond nonwoven fabrics to prevent whitefly transmission, which also increases sensitivity to leaf miners.

Innovation Solution

Identification and utilization of a genetic locus on chromosome 6 from wild melon accessions, specifically the MYaV6.1 quantitative trait locus, which confers resistance to MYaV, allowing for the development of MYaV-resistant cultivated melon plants through introgression and molecular marker-assisted selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If protective measures like spunbond nonwoven fabrics are used to prevent whitefly transmission, then plant protection from MYaV is improved, but sensitivity to leaf miners increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from MYaVVSAvoidsensitivity to leaf miners

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and utilizes the natural resistance mechanism already present in wild melon accessions. By identifying and deploying the resistance locus from wild melon plants that naturally resist MYaV, the solution removes the need for external protective fabrics while maintaining virus protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The cultivated melon plants are equipped with self-service resistance through the introgression of the wild melon resistance locus. The plants inherently protect themselves against MYaV through their genetic resistance, eliminating dependence on external protective measures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If no resistance sources are available, then breeding options are limited, but costly protective measures must be used

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebreeding optionsVSAvoidcostly protective measures

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention performs preliminary action by identifying and characterizing the resistance locus in wild melon accessions before it can be widely deployed. The resistance source was discovered and validated in advance through systematic screening and molecular mapping, making it available for future breeding programs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses molecular markers as intermediaries to bridge the gap between wild melon resistance and cultivated melon breeding. Specific molecular markers linked to the resistance locus enable precise tracking and selection of resistance genes during the breeding process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3560331B1Melon plants with melon yellowing associated virus (MYAV) resistance

Publication Date: 2024.03.06 NUNHEMS BV

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AI summary

The present invention relates to the field of melon plants having Melon Yellowing associated Virus (MYaV) resistance.