Investigating the role of transgenic rootstock-mediated protection of non-transgenic scion

Investigating the role of transgenic rootstock-mediated protection of non-transgenic scion

Report Date: 06/28/2021
Project: 18-007   Year: 2021
Category: Plant Improvement
Author: Manjul Dutt
Sponsor: Citrus Research and Development Foundation

1. Please state project objectives and what work was done this quarter to address them:The project objectives are: 1.Evaluate existing transgenic Carrizo and Swingle AtNPR1 overexpressing rootstocks in the laboratory and greenhouse. 2. Conduct a replicated field trial with the best transgenic rootstocks budded with non-transgenic `Valencia’ and test for GMO gene products in the fruit or juice. 3. Produce additional transgenic rootstock lines and stack other gene(s) responsible for SAR using mature transformation.  4. Evaluate transgene segregation analyses of the rootstock progeny and large-scale propagation of select lines.We have continued on the evaluation of transgenic trees in the greenhouse and field. Trees in the greenhouse and field have not been been tested against HLB in this quarter as sampling is done bi-annually. We have produced several trees with each gene as outlined in the proposal and objective 3 is almost complete. RNA has been isolated from all the new lines and we are preparing to propagate selected lines that have enhanced gene expression. Western blot analysis of some prior propagated lines have been done. All previously identified lines with high gene expression have been clonally propagated by budding onto rootstock for field planting to provide more seed source trees. Additionally seedlings from several existing seed source trees have been produced and budded with Valencia sweet orange. We are also exploring the ability of some of the high expressing lines as interstocks to protect the non-transgenic scion against HLB. White grapefruit is being used in this study due to its extreme susceptibility to HLB.   2. Please state what work is anticipated for next quarter:  We will continue on our evaluation of the transgenic lines, propagate additional lines for evaluation and test the interstock trees against HLB.   3. Please state budget status (underspend or overspend, and why):  We are on track with the budget and have not overspent.      


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