terclim by ICS banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 A DNA-free editing approach to help viticulture sustainability: dual editing of DMR6-1 and DMR6-2 enhances resistance to downy mildew 

A DNA-free editing approach to help viticulture sustainability: dual editing of DMR6-1 and DMR6-2 enhances resistance to downy mildew 

Abstract

The sustainability of viticulture hinges on maintaining quality and yield while reducing pesticide use. Promising strides in this direction involve the development of clones with enhanced disease tolerance, particularly through the knockout of plant susceptibility genes. Knocking out of Downy Mildew Resistant 6 (DMR6) led to increased levels of endogenous salicylic acid (SA), a regulator of immunity, resulting in enhanced tolerance to Downy Mildew (DM) and other diseases in various crops.

Mutations in both DMR6-1 and DMR6-2 genes were introduced into two grapevine cultivars using CRISPR-Cas9 using two methods. In the first case, transgene delivery mediated by A. tumefaciens was employed, while in the second case, we developed a ‘single-cell technology’ for gene editing, creating non-transgenic grapevine mutants through the regeneration of protoplasts previously edited with the CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoprotein.

We tested the susceptibility of single and double mutants to DM through artificial inoculation assays on detached leaves and whole plants. Our findings indicate that a simultaneous mutation in both DMR6-1 and DMR6-2 is needed to significantly enhance resistance to DM, with the double mutant (dmr6-1-dmr6-2) outperforming either single mutant in both cultivars. Elevated levels of endogenous SA were only observed in the double mutant, while single mutation in DMR6-1 or DMR6-2 proved ineffective. Collectively, our data highlight the need for a double knockout to achieve appreciable results against DM-susceptibility.

Currenlty, we are adapting the ‘single-cell technology’ to generate edited vines from various agronomically relevant cultivars. In parallel, we are assessing the performance of plants edited in different susceptibility genes.

DOI:

Publication date: June 13, 2024

Issue: Open GPB 2024

Type: Poster

Authors

Lisa Giacomelli1*, Tieme Zeilmaker2, Oscar Giovannini1, Umberto Salvagnin3, Domenico Masuero1, Pietro Franceschi1, Urska Vrohvsek1, Simone Scintilla4, Jeroen Rouppe van der Voort2, Claudio Moser1

1 Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, San Michele all’Adige, Italy
2 Enza ZadenEnza Zaden Research & Development B.V., Enkhuizen, The Netherlands  
3 C.I.VIT. Consorzio Innovazione Vite, Trento, Italy
4 Hudson River Biotechnology, Wageningen, The Netherlands

Contact the author*

Keywords

DMR6, grapevine, DNA-free, gene editing, downy mildew, susceptibility gene

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Open GPB | Open GPB 2024

Citation

Related articles…

Nitrogen metabolism in Kluyveromyces marxianus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae: towards a better understanding of fermentation aroma production

During wine alcoholic fermentation, yeasts produce volatile aroma compounds from sugar and nitrogen metabolism. Some of the metabolic pathways leading to these compounds have been known for more than a century.

Enhancing table grape production: addressing challenges and opportunities for sustainability and quality improvement

Table grapes, being consumed as fresh, raisins, and transformed products are among the most appreciated fruits worldwide. Its popularity is increasing also due to its organoleptic and nutritional qualities that meet the consumers’ interest in healthier foods. Recent data from International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) revealed that table grape production has doubled in the last twenty years, and varietal availability has increased thanks to the several breeding programs.
To maintain the socio-economic impact of this sector, new challenges need to be addressed.

Impact of malolactic fermentation on volatile composition and sensory properties of white and rosé wine from the greek variety moschofilero

Moschofilero is a native grape variety, classified as a ‘gris’ type variety, that is cultivated in PDO Mantineia, Peloponissos, Greece. It is used for the production of both white and rosé wines. Due to high altitude of the vineyards, the harvest is done by mid October, and many vintages are characterised by high acidities and low pH values.

Étude des relations sol-vigne sur le vignoble de Côte Rôtie

La topographie du vignoble de Côte Rôtie, la prédominance de la non culture ainsi que la structure très légère des sols amènent les vignerons à s’interroger sur l’entretien du sol, la conduite de la fertilisation de leurs parcelles ainsi que sur le développement racinaire de la vigne.

Pre-breeding for developing heat stress resilient grape varieties to ensure yield 

Climate change has numerous detrimental consequences and creates new challenges for viticulture around the world. Transitory or constant high temperatures frequently associated with an excess of sunlight (UV) can cause a variety of physiological disorders, such as sunburn. Diverse environmental factors and the plant’s response mechanisms to stress determine the symptoms. Grapevine berry sunburn leads to a drastic reduction in yield, and may eventually decline berry quality. Consequently, this poses a significant risk to the winegrowers.