MdMLO19 gene knockdown in apple reduces susceptibility to powdery mildew

摘要

Varieties resistant to powdery mildew (PM) caused by Podosphaera leucot-richa are a major component of sustainable apple (Malus domestica) production. Resistance can be achieved by knocking-out susceptibility S-genes, which can be singled out from members of the MLO (Mildew Locus O) gene family. Candidate genes include the MLO S-genes MdMLOll, MdML018 and MdMLO19, which were found upregulated upon PM inoculation. Scientists from the Fondazione Edmund Mach in Italy and Wageningen University and Research Centre in the Netherlands report on the RNA interference knockdown of MdMLO11 and 19, as well as the complementation of resistance with MdML018 in the Arabi-dopsis thaliana triple mlo mutant.