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…

Impact of heating must before fermentation on Chardonnay wines

Prefermentation steps of white winemaking are very important for controlling the stability and the sensory attributes of wines. Usually musts are clarified by cold settling to prevent the start of the fermentation, before racking big lees and thus limiting the appearance of vegetable or reduction off flavour while favouring an aromatic expression with low turbidity. Besides, to reach the protein stability, some white wines further require a bentonite fining, sometimes associated with negative effects on the sensory quality. This study aims to know the impact of musts heating after pressing on a Chardonnay wine in northern conditions by comparison with a classic cold racking of the must.

Read More

Improving the phenolic composition of cv tempranillo wines by blending grapes of different ripening state

The aim of this work was to reduce the alcohol content of Tempranillo wine. Tempranillo wines were produced by grapes harvested at different ripening dates (August 11 which was 21 oBrix and September 28 with 25 oBrix). At the second date, the Tempranillo wines were elaborated as follows: grapes were destemmed, crushed and collected into 50 L stainless-steel vats. Before preferementative maceration in cold, 50 % (M1) and 70 % (M2) of the must have been replaced by the same percentage of must from the first harvest. In addition, a control wine (C) was performed with only grapes from the second harvest.

Read More

Effects of grapevine mycorrhizal association on fine root dynamics depend on rootstock genotype

Context and Purpose of the study. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) symbiosis with grapevines is a key component of vineyard ecosystems.

Read More

Simulating single band multispectral imaging from hyperspectral imaging: A study into the application of single band visible to near-infrared multispectral imaging for determining table grape quality

To be accepted by the market and consumers table grapes need to meet certain requirements in terms of physical and chemical quality parameters.

Read More

Les motivations du vigneron en quête de l’expression “terroir”

During the 1985 harvest, I was able to notice in the taste perception a break in the harmony of the wine during even partial blends of grapes from different plots. At the same time, I noted a good reaction from customers for greater product customization. As a result, I was led to seek the objective limits of the terroir of a cuvée and by a constant and permanent refinement of the parameters specific to each of the terroirs.

Read More