Exploring the Genetic Basis of Disease Resistance in Indigenous Crop Varieties: A Biotechnological Approach
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20094345
Keywords:
Indigenous Crops, Disease Resistance, Genetic Basis, Crispr-Cas9, Genome-Wide Association Studies, Transcriptomics, Biotechnological BreedingAbstract
Background: Local crop varieties remain a potentially valuable reservoir of genes conferring disease resistance traits needed for sustainable agriculture. Knowledge of the genetic basis of these resistances can expedite development of resilient cultivars in the face of mounting pathogen pressure and climate change.
Objective: The objective of the study was to unravel the genetic basis of disease resistance in indigenous crop lines by deploying holistic biotechnological tools like screen based on plant phenotypes, genomic scan, transcriptomics, and gene editing.
Method: Phenotypic evaluation of disease response was performed on diverse germplasm of various landraces in the form of rice, wheat, and cassava. Candidate resistance loci were screened by whole-genome sequence (WGS) and genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Infection-based transcriptome profiling detected differential expression of defense genes. Key resistance genes were confirmed by CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing. Physiological indicators of immune activation were evaluated by biochemical assays.
Results: There was phenotypic variability among landraces for the level of resistance to the disease. Genomic analyses identified novel variants in resistance gene clusters associated with resistant phenotypes. Transcription factors and pathogenesis related proteins were up-regulated in resistant lines were found. Gene editing resistance was improved as demonstrated by a reduction in disease severity and an increase in yield under pathogen pressure. Biochemical markers including reactive oxygen species and salicylic acid were higher in resistant genotypes reflecting strong immune responses.
Conclusions Integration of multi-omics and biotechnological platforms effectively revealed genetic determinants of disease resistances in the native crops. This strategy is promising for the improvement of cultivars, increasing food security, and developing sustainable agriculture.
