APPLICATION OF AGROBACTERIUM RHIZOGENES-MEDIATED TRANSFORMATION STRATEGIES FOR (A) RAPID HIGH THROUGH PUT SCREEN FOR GENETIC RESISTANCE TO PIERCES DISEASE

• Author(s): Bruening, George; Gilchrist, David; Lincoln, James; Walker, Andrew; Civerolo, Ed; Kirkpatrick, Bruce;
• Abstract: The goal of this project is to identify novel genes from either grape or heterologous plants that, when expressed in grape, will lead to disruption of infection or spread of the xylem-limited bacteria, Xylella fastidiosa. There is no useful genetic resistance in commercially used grape clones, and introgression of resistance from grape relatives by sexual crossing introduces substantial genetic variation. Introgression of resistance would be most useful if it were introduced directly into vegetative tissue without requiring recurrent selection to attempt to return to the original host genotype. We have developed a functional screen for cDNAs that block either bacterial multiplication, movement or symptom expression using an A. rhizogenes mediated transformation strategy that also enables the direct introgression of cloned resistance genes into a susceptible host plant while maintaining the clonal integrity of the recipient plant following transformation.
• Publication Date: Dec 2001
• Journal: 2001 Pierce's Disease Research Symposium