Spinach Downy Mildew Resistance via Multi-Gene Construct

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Solution Overview

Problem

Spinach cultivars face recurring susceptibility to downy mildew due to the pathogen Peronospora effusa adapting to existing resistances, necessitating the development of broad-spectrum and durable resistance genes to counteract multiple races of the disease.

Innovation Solution

The use of genetic markers and genome editing techniques to introduce and refine resistant gene alleles associated with disease resistance, such as those encoding clathrin adaptor medium subunit proteins, pentatricopeptide repeat-containing proteins, and RPS2-like resistance proteins, into spinach plants to enhance their resistance to downy mildew.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing resistance genes are used in spinach cultivars, then resistance to downy mildew is achieved, but the resistance is overcome by pathogen adaptation over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisease resistanceVSAvoidduration of resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple resistance genes (RPF1, RPF2, RPF3) into a single genetic construct that is integrated into the spinach plant genome. This segmentation of resistance functions into separate gene components allows the plant to recognize and respond to multiple pathogen races simultaneously, preventing the single-point failure that occurs with monogenic resistance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite resistance system by integrating multiple resistance genes (RPF1, RPF2, RPF3) and their corresponding protein products within a single plant. This composite genetic material provides broad-spectrum resistance against multiple downy mildew races, eliminating the need for multiple separate resistance mechanisms and ensuring durable protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple resistance genes are integrated into spinach plants, then broad-spectrum resistance is achieved, but genetic complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance spectrumVSAvoidgenetic construct complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple resistance genes (RPF1, RPF2, RPF3) and their regulatory elements into a single integrated genetic construct. This combining approach allows all resistance functions to be expressed simultaneously in one plant, achieving broad-spectrum resistance without requiring multiple separate genetic interventions or complex multi-component systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated resistance construct serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides resistance against multiple downy mildew races (Pe:1 through Pe:19), enables broad-spectrum protection, and maintains genetic stability. The single construct performs the work of multiple separate resistance systems, reducing overall complexity while enhancing versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250019717A1Durable downy mildew resistance in spinach

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 KWS VEGETABLES BV

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to methods of identifying and selecting plants with resistance to downy mildew and further plant pathogens. Provided are methods to identify a novel gene that encode proteins associated with plant resistance to downy mildew and further plant pathogens, and uses thereof. This disease resistant gene is useful in the production of resistant plants through breeding, transgenic modification, or genome editing.