ZmMM1 Gene Allele Identification for Corn Southern Rust Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods lack the identification and characterization of causal genes responsible for resistance to corn southern rust, a major disease affecting maize crops, leading to ongoing challenges in developing disease-resistant varieties.
Innovation Solution
The development of methods and compositions to identify and select plant disease resistance genes, specifically targeting the ZmMM1 gene allele associated with disease resistance, which can be used to create transgenic or genome-edited plants with enhanced resistance to corn southern rust and other diseases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional breeding methods are used to develop disease-resistant varieties, then resistance lines and QTL can be identified, but the causal genes responsible for resistance cannot be identified and characterized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional phenotypic breeding methods with molecular marker-assisted selection and genome editing technologies. By using DNA markers linked to resistance genes and CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, the invention directly identifies and modifies causal genes at the molecular level, eliminating the information loss that occurs with traditional breeding approaches that only select based on phenotypic resistance without knowing the underlying genetic causes.
2Ease of manufacture
If resistance lines are identified through breeding programs, then cost-effective disease control is achieved, but the development time for resistant varieties remains extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-identifying and characterizing causal resistance genes and their molecular markers before breeding programs begin. By having the causal gene information and linked markers ready in advance, breeders can immediately select for resistance using marker-assisted selection, dramatically reducing the time required compared to traditional phenotypic selection while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses molecular markers as intermediaries that link directly to causal resistance genes. These markers serve as reliable proxies that allow rapid selection of plants carrying the desired resistance alleles without requiring time-consuming phenotypic evaluation or waiting for disease exposure, thus accelerating the breeding process while maintaining accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If temperate maize germplasm is used, then adaptation to temperate regions is achieved, but susceptibility to corn southern rust increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by introducing specific resistance genes and alleles from tropical maize germplasm into temperate maize backgrounds through marker-assisted backcrossing and genome editing. This allows the temperate maize to maintain its local adaptation traits while acquiring specific localized resistance qualities against corn southern rust through the introduction of genes like those identified in the ZmMM1 locus.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is related to plant breeding and methods of identifying and selecting plants with disease resistance. Provided are methods to identify novel genes that encode proteins providing plant disease resistance and uses thereof. These disease resistant genes are useful in the production of resistant plants through breeding, transgenic modification, or genome editing.