The second edition of our series “What’s new in plant science?”, provides an overview on scientific publications gathered during March-May 2024. While not published by VIRTIGATION partners themselves, they still include highly relevant findings for the stakeholders of our multi-actor network.
Recent advances in identifying ToBRFV resistance
Two recent scientific publications made strides in supporting the development of ToBRFV-resistant plants. A team of US researchers found the currant tomato, known as Solanum pimpinellifolium, to be highly resistant to ToBRFV. Their new report will help expand the genetic pool available for breeders to develop new resistant tomato cultivars against ToBRFV. They published their findings in the Plants journal.
Additionally, a Chinese research team has revealed candidate genes in tomato responsive to a ToBRFV infection, after conducting a transcriptome analysis of tomato leaves. Transcription reprogramming of host plant cells is key against plant virus attacks. The Chinese scientists released their research in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
New findings on the Bemisia tabaci whitefly
One new scientific publication made key advances in better understanding the Bemisia tabaci whitefly, a devastating plant pest that transmits the ToLCNDV and TYLCV plant viruses. A group of Scottish scientists investigated the effector activities of the Bemisia tabaci whitefly, specifically their effector proteins. This is crucial in advancing functional characterisation studies of this whitefly. Moreover, their identification of effector activities could provide new avenues for developing new crop protection strategies. The Scottish team published their findings in the Molecular Plant-Microbe Interactions journal.
CRISPR gene editing applications for agriculture
The Genetic Literacy project reported on the latest advances of CRISPR gene editing applications for agriculture. In their article, they notably highlighted how this genome-editing tool could be used to boost the nutritional value of tomatoes. Specifically, tomatoes benefitted from increased gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This amino acid plays supposedly a key role in aiding relaxation and helping to lower blood pressure in humans.
