Spinach WOLF Allele Stacking for Downy Mildew Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spinach cultivars lack broad resistance to Peronospora farinosa f. sp. spinaciae, with existing resistance genes being overcome by the fungus, and new pathogenic races posing a significant threat to the spinach industry, necessitating a method to stack resistance genes for comprehensive protection.
Innovation Solution
Identification and utilization of WOLF genes, specifically alpha-WOLF and beta-WOLF genes, which encode CC-NB S-LRR proteins, to modify the resistance profile of spinach plants by introducing or modifying these genes in the plant genome, allowing for tailored resistance profiles through genetic engineering and breeding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing resistance genes are used in spinach cultivars, then resistance to downy mildew is provided, but the fungus overcomes this resistance and the cultivars become susceptible again
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple WOLF resistance genes (alpha-WOLF and beta-WOLF alleles) into single spinach cultivars to create stacked resistance. This merging of multiple resistance mechanisms prevents the fungus from overcoming resistance through single gene mutations, thereby extending the duration of effective resistance against downy mildew.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite resistance profiles by combining different WOLF gene alleles (e.g., alpha-WOLF 1 with beta-WOLF 1, or alpha-WOLF 15 with beta-WOLF 16) to produce cultivars with broad-spectrum resistance. This composite approach uses multiple genetic components working together to provide durable resistance against multiple pathogenic races.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple resistance genes are stacked to provide broad resistance, then comprehensive protection against multiple pathogenic races is achieved, but the complexity of breeding and genetic engineering increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the resistance trait into distinct WOLF gene alleles (alpha-WOLF and beta-WOLF types) that can be independently identified and combined. This segmentation allows breeders to systematically stack specific alleles to achieve desired resistance profiles against different pathogenic races, making the complex breeding process more manageable and predictable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the genetic parameters of spinach cultivars by introducing specific WOLF allele combinations. By defining specific allele pairs (e.g., alpha-WOLF 15/beta-WOLF 16 for broad resistance), the patent provides clear genetic targets for breeding programs, reducing the complexity of achieving broad-spectrum resistance through systematic parameter selection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If new pathogenic races are identified and resistance is updated, then protection against new threats is provided, but the time and resources required for breeding new resistant cultivars increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by identifying and characterizing multiple WOLF allele variants with different resistance specificities before new pathogenic races emerge. By pre-establishing a library of WOLF alleles (alpha and beta types with various numbering), the patent enables rapid deployment of appropriate resistance combinations when new threats are detected, significantly reducing the time required to develop resistant cultivars.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where resistance effectiveness is monitored against emerging pathogenic races, and appropriate WOLF allele combinations are selected based on observed resistance breakdowns. This feedback-driven approach allows the breeding program to adapt quickly to new threats by selecting from pre-characterized allele combinations that have proven effective against specific races.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for modifying the resistance profile of a spinach plant to Peronospora farinosa f sp. spinaciae, comprising introducing a WOLF allele or a resistance-conferring part thereof into the genome of said spinach plant, or modifying an endogenous WOLF allele in the genome of said spinach plant. A WOLF allele encodes a CC-NBS-LRR protein that comprises in its amino acid sequence: the motif “MAEIGYSVC” at its N-terminus, and the motif “KWMCLR” for alpha-type WOLF proteins or “HVGCVVDR” for beta-type WOLF proteins. The invention relates to the WOLF alleles referred to in Table 3. The invention further provides a method for selecting a spinach plant comprising a novel WOLF gene that confers resistance to Peronospora farinosa f sp. spinaciae in a spinach plant and a method for identifying a WOLF allele that confers resistance to one or more pathogenic races of Peronospora farinosa f. sp. spinaciae in a spinach plant and to primers for use in these methods.