Trans-dominant inhibition of geminiviral DNA replication by geminivirus rep gene mutants

摘要

A genetic construct comprising a trans-dominant inhibitor of geminiviral replication is disclosed. When expressed in a plant cell, this inhibitor is able to dramatically reduce replication of geminivirus. Genetic constructs that include sequences containing portion of the ac3 gene in addition to the trans-dominant inhibitor exhibit increased efficiency and broadened specificity of inhibition of geminiviral replication. A method of protecting plants against geminiviral infections is also disclosed.