terclim by ICS banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Enhancing plant defense: carbon dots for efficient spray-induced gene silencing 

Enhancing plant defense: carbon dots for efficient spray-induced gene silencing 

Abstract

Ectopic RNA application for plant defense faces challenges in tree crops, including size, diffusion, and stability of active compounds such as ribonucleoproteins and nucleic acids. While existing strategies involve expressing dsRNA in transgenic plants targeting pathogens, our research strives to develop a transient RNAi system based on Spray-Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS). This approach aims to circumvent legal barriers and public concerns associated with genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Our strategy integrates SIGS with branched polyethyleneimine-functionalized Carbon Dots (bPEI-CDs) as nanocarriers, effectively addressing unique delivery challenges in plant defense as RNA stability and uptake enhancement. We developed a cost-effective microwave-assisted protocol for the synthesis of 10 nm monodispersed bPEI-CDs. These molecules showed over 50% dsRNA protection against RNase III degradation at a 200:1 (w/w) ratio. We further demonstrated their capability to enhance cellular uptake by successfully delivering fluorolabeled-dsRNAs (Cy3-RNA) complexed with CDs into intact plant tissue-cultured cells. Notably, Cy3-RNA sprayed with CD on the surface of greenhouse grapevine leaves through a low-pressure spray application penetrated stomata cells and neighboring cells. Ultimately, the ability of dsRNA complexed with CD to trigger RNA interference was confirmed using a 21 nucleotide-dsRNA targeting eGFP . Ongoing work quantitatively compares, through qPCR, the reduced expression of GFP on eGFP-expressing transgenic microvine leaves sprayed with CD-complexed and naked siRNA. This innovative approach, leveraging CDs, aims to tackle critical barriers in dsRNA delivery, particularly by addressing cell wall-related limitations in plant. This research marks a pivotal step in optimizing RNA-based grapevine defense strategies, and propelling sustainable viticulture practices forward.

Download the abstract

DOI:

Publication date: June 13, 2024

Issue: Open GPB 2024

Type: Poster

Authors

Christian Mandelli1*, Laurent G. Deluc1,2

1 Department of Horticulture, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States
2 Oregon Wine Research Institute, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, United States

Contact the author*

Keywords

RNA interference, Spray-Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS), Carbon dots, dsRNA delivery, Sustainable agriculture

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Open GPB | Open GPB 2024

Citation

Related articles…

Effect of vineyard nitrogen management on Souviginer gris wine sensory quality and aromatic compounds

Fungus-Resistant Grape (FRG) varieties represent a promising approach to address the challenges of climate change and sustainability in viticulture.

Read More

Rootstock regulation of scion phenotypes: the relationship between rootstock parentage and petiole mineral concentration

Grapevine is grown grafted in most of the world largely because of Phylloxera. Rootstocks not only provide tolerance to Phylloxera, but also ensure the supply of water and mineral nutrients to the scion. Rootstocks are an important means of adaptation to environmental conditions if we want to conserve the typical features of the currently used scion genotypes. To aid this adaptation, we can exploit the large diversity of rootstocks used worldwide. To fully explore this existing rootstock diversity, this work benefits from the unique GreffAdapt vineyard, in which four scion genotypes were studied onto 55 commercial rootstocks in three blocks. The aim of this study was to characterise rootstock regulation of scion mineral status and how it relates to scion development.

Read More

Optimization of a tool to determine the oxygen avidity of a wine through the kinetics of consumption by its phenolic and aromatic fractions (PAFs)

Wine oxidation phenomena during the different processes of winemaking, aging and storage are closely related to the presence of oxygen and to the wine’s capacity for consumption.

Read More

Caratteristiche fisico-chimiche dei suoli coltivati a vite e loro influenza nella diffusione del mal dell’esca

Il mal dell’esca é una malattia della vite della quale sono state studiate sintomatologia, eziologia, patogenesi ed epidemiologia. Essendo una malattia che colpisce soprattutto la parte epigea delle piante, le caratteristiche dei suoli non sono mai state considerate fra le responsabili della sua insorgenza e diffusione.

Read More

Chinese localization of wine aroma descriptors

Wine aroma descriptors are important tools for wine evaluation. The present well-known wine aroma descriptor system was created and based on Western culture, which makes difficult for Chinese consumers to recognize and learn wine. AIM: The aim of this study was to update the wine aroma descriptor system for Chinese.

Methods: Fifty-four wine aroma descriptors of ‘Le nez du vin’ was used as substitution candidates. Firstly, a survey on unfamiliar aromas was distributed to 150 untrained Chinese wine consumers. Twenty attributors, such as blackcurrent buds, quince, linden, were selected as the most 17 unfamiliar. Then, a descriptive analysis was performed by trained tasting panel to substitute the targeted twenty aromas perfume. Furthermore, reference standards were looked and new le nez du vin were made. Finally, a substitution analysis was performed to replace the unknown wine aroma to the Chinese local aromas.

Read More