Spinach Downy Mildew Resistance via Multi-Gene Introgression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinach cultivars are susceptible to multiple races of Peronospora farinosa f. sp. spinaciae, a pathogen that can overcome existing resistances, necessitating the development of broad-spectrum resistance in spinach plants to protect against various downy mildew races and new threats.
Innovation Solution
A spinach plant with resistance to Peronospora farinosa races 1-9, 11-15, and isolate UA1014APLP, achieved through introgression from seeds deposited under NCIMB accession number 42393, providing stable broad-spectrum resistance to progeny.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spinach cultivars use existing resistance genes, then resistance to specific Peronospora races is achieved, but the pathogen can overcome these resistances and susceptibility returns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resistance protection by using multiple distinct resistance genes (downy mildew resistance genes) that target different Peronospora races. Instead of relying on a single resistance gene that can be overcome, the cultivar combines multiple genes that provide layered protection against different pathogen races, making it harder for the pathogen to develop resistance simultaneously against all of them.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite genetic structure by combining multiple downy mildew resistance genes into a single spinach cultivar. This composite approach integrates different resistance mechanisms that work together to provide broad-spectrum protection against multiple Peronospora races, analogous to using composite materials that combine different properties for enhanced performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If spinach cultivars are bred for resistance to multiple Peronospora races, then broad-spectrum resistance is achieved, but breeding complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-combining multiple resistance genes in donor plants before crossing them with commercial spinach cultivars. The resistance genes are already integrated and tested in the donor material (such as wild spinach or resistant landraces), so the breeding process involves transferring a pre-packaged resistance complex rather than assembling individual genes, significantly reducing breeding time and complexity.
3Reliability
If spinach cultivars are developed with resistance to all known Peronospora races, then comprehensive protection is achieved, but the pathogen continues to evolve new races that can infect resistant cultivars
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by creating resistance that can adapt to evolving pathogen threats. By using multiple resistance genes with different specificities against different Peronospora races, the system provides dynamic protection that can address emerging races. The combination of resistance genes creates a moving target for the pathogen, where overcoming one resistance gene does not guarantee infection success against the others.
Data Source
AI summary
The current invention concerns a spinach plant comprising resistance against Peronospora farinosa races 1-9, 11-15 and isolate UA1014APLP.