Wheat Stem Rust Resistance via Sr43 and Sr62 Gene Introgression

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wheat stem rust caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt) poses significant yield losses, with existing resistance genes becoming ineffective due to the emergence of new races, and traditional methods for introducing disease resistance genes are slow and prone to linkage drag, while pesticides are costly and unsustainable for subsistence farmers.

Innovation Solution

The development of nucleic acid molecules encoding the R genes Sr43 and Sr62, which confer resistance to multiple races of Pgt, are introduced into wheat, barley, or triticale plants through genetic transformation, providing enhanced resistance and allowing for the simultaneous introduction of multiple resistance genes to delay resistance-breaking pathogen evolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional breeding methods are used to introduce resistance genes, then resistance can be achieved, but the process is slow and suffers from linkage drag

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisease resistanceVSAvoidbreeding timeline

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and utilizes molecular markers (SSR and SNP markers) that are tightly linked to resistance genes, allowing breeders to select for the resistance trait without physically introducing the entire gene through traditional breeding. This marker-assisted selection extracts the essential genetic information needed for resistance while avoiding linkage drag from surrounding genes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Molecular markers serve as intermediaries between the resistance genes and the selection process. Instead of directly selecting for the resistance gene itself, the invention uses these marker molecules as proxies that indicate the presence of resistance alleles, enabling indirect but efficient selection that bypasses the limitations of traditional breeding timelines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If single resistance genes are deployed, then initial resistance is achieved, but pathogen races can overcome the resistance within a few seasons

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance effectivenessVSAvoidresistance durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the resistance strategy by identifying and utilizing multiple distinct resistance genes (such as Lr34/Sr57 and other leaf rust/stem rust resistance genes) rather than relying on a single gene. This segmentation of resistance into multiple genetic components makes it harder for pathogen races to overcome all resistances simultaneously, thereby extending the durability of resistance effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite resistance strategy by combining multiple resistance genes with different genetic bases and mechanisms of action. This composite approach, analogous to composite materials in engineering, provides resistance with diverse genetic foundations that are more difficult for pathogens to overcome, thereby extending the duration of resistance effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If pesticides are used to control wheat stem rust, then disease control is achieved, but costs increase and sustainability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisease controlVSAvoidagricultural cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention enables plants to provide their own disease resistance through genetically inherited resistance genes and marker-assisted selection. This self-service approach replaces the need for external pesticide applications, allowing the plant system to protect itself against rust diseases through its own genetic mechanisms, thereby eliminating ongoing chemical input costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention substitutes chemical control mechanisms (pesticides) with biological control mechanisms (genetic resistance). By replacing the mechanical/chemical system of pesticide application with a biological system of inherent genetic resistance, the invention eliminates the need for costly chemical inputs while maintaining effective disease control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250002929A1Plant disease resistance genes against stem rust and methods of use

Publication Date: 2025.01.02 THE SAINSBURY LAB

AI summary

Compositions and methods and for enhancing the resistance of plants, particularly wheat plants to stem rust caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici are provided. The compositions comprise nucleic acid molecules encoding resistance (R) gene products and variants thereof and plants, seeds, and plant cells comprising such nucleic acid molecules. The methods for enhancing the resistance of a plant to stem rust comprise introducing a nucleic acid molecule encoding an R gene product into a plant cell. Additionally provided are methods for using the resistant plants in agriculture to limit stem rust.