Abstract
The cDNA encoding the antifungal protein KP4 from Ustilago maydis-infecting virus was inserted behind the ubiquitin promoter of maize and genetically transferred to wheat varieties particularly susceptible to stinking smut (Tilletia tritici) disease. The transgene was integrated and inherited over several generations. Of seven transgenic lines, three showed antifungal activity against U. maydis. The antifungal activity correlated with the presence of the KP4 transgene. KP4-transgenic, soil-grown wheat plants exhibit increased endogenous resistance against stinking smut.
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Acknowledgements
We are grateful to Dr. R. Bilang (Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Switzerland) for the pAct:bar, and Dr. G. Spangenberg (University La Trobe at Bundoora Victoria, Australia) for the pUbi:uidA constructs. The KP4 was kindly provided by Dr. J. Bruenn (State University of New York at Buffalo, USA). Furthermore, we thank S. Klarer, K. Konja, E. Fenner, and E. Calame-Doz for greenhouse and technical assistance, and Dr. P. King (Friedrich Miescher Institute, Basel, Switzerland) for correcting the manuscript.
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Clausen, M., Kräuter, R., Schachermayr, G. et al. Antifungal activity of a virally encoded gene in transgenic wheat. Nat Biotechnol 18, 446–449 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/74521
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/74521
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