Genetic Factors Behind Root-Knot Nematode Resistance in Sweetpotatoes

Jim Crocker
27th August, 2024

Genetic Factors Behind Root-Knot Nematode Resistance in Sweetpotatoes

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers at the Korea National University of Education studied the genetic traits behind root-knot nematode resistance in sweetpotato
  • They found three specific genetic markers (SNPs) linked to nematode resistance in resistant sweetpotato cultivars
  • Two key genes, G6617|TU10904 and G8735|TU14367, were identified as potentially crucial for nematode resistance, offering targets for breeding better sweetpotato varieties
Root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) is a significant agricultural pest that causes extensive crop damage and economic losses globally. Sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam)] is one of the crops affected by this pest. While several sweetpotato cultivars have been developed with resistance to root-knot nematode (RKN), many of these resistant cultivars lack favorable agronomic traits. To address this issue, researchers at the Korea National University of Education conducted a study to understand the genetic traits underlying RKN resistance in sweetpotato[1]. The study involved whole genome resequencing of three RKN-susceptible cultivars (Dahomi, Shinhwangmi, and Yulmi) and three RKN-resistant cultivars (Danjami, Pungwonmi, and Juhwangmi). The researchers identified three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in promoter sequences that were shared among the RKN-resistant cultivars and were correlated with disease resistance. One of these SNPs was located in the gene G6617|TU10904, which encodes a homolog of ribosomal protein eL15Z. This SNP was associated with reduced expression of the gene in RKN-resistant cultivars only. Ribosomal proteins, such as eL15, are known to play crucial roles in ribosome biogenesis and function[2]. In yeast, depletion of eL15 results in defective ribosome assembly and impaired processing of precursor rRNAs, leading to a shortage of mature ribosomal subunits[2]. The identification of a SNP in a homolog of eL15Z in sweetpotato suggests that ribosomal proteins may also be involved in the regulation of nematode resistance. In addition to SNP analysis, the researchers conducted mRNA sequencing (mRNA-seq) on the same sweetpotato cultivars with and without nematode infection. They identified 18 nematode-sensitive genes that responded in a cultivar-specific manner. Among these genes, the expression of G8735|TU14367 was found to be lower in susceptible cultivars than in RKN-resistant cultivars. The findings from this study are significant as they identify two genes, G6617|TU10904 and G8735|TU14367, that potentially play key roles in the regulation of nematode resistance in sweetpotato. These genes can serve as useful targets for breeding programs aimed at developing sweetpotato cultivars with enhanced resistance to root-knot nematode. By incorporating both SNP and mRNA-seq data, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of the genetic basis of RKN resistance in sweetpotato. This approach not only identifies specific genetic markers associated with resistance but also reveals the expression patterns of genes in response to nematode infection. Overall, the research conducted by the Korea National University of Education offers valuable insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying nematode resistance in sweetpotato. By identifying key genes and genetic markers, this study paves the way for the development of sweetpotato cultivars that are both nematode-resistant and possess favorable agronomic traits, thereby contributing to sustainable agriculture and food security.

AgricultureGeneticsPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Genetic variations underlying root-knot nematode resistance in sweetpotato.

Published 24th August, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gene.2024.148895

Related Studies

2) The Role of Ribosomal Proteins eL15 and eL36 in the Early Steps of Yeast 60S Ribosomal Subunit Assembly.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmb.2023.168321


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