A potentially different approach to combat grapevine viral diseases

by | Oct 14, 2024 | South Africa Wine Scan

RNA interference (RNAi) is a natural process that helps plants and other organisms defend against viruses. It is activated when the plant detects double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) from the virus. Scientists can also create synthetic dsRNA and apply it to plants, where it enters the plant’s system and triggers this defence response. Several methods have been developed to use these RNA molecules to protect plants from viruses, including spraying dsRNA, attaching it to nanoparticles, or directly applying it to plants.

In this study, researchers developed and tested a method to control Grapevine Pinot Gris Virus (GPGV) using RNA interference (RNAi). Researchers targeted the RNA polymerase site on the GPGV genome to see if they could effectively lower the viral load (virus amount per volume tissue) of GPGV-infected vines grown in the laboratory in tissue cultures. A new method of delivering short synthetic double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) was developed and tested to do this.

 

Project layout

The role of the dsRNA was to stimulate RNA interference-mediated control for grapevine Pinot gris virus by targeting the RNA Polymerase (RdRp) gene found within the virus genome. Shoot tips of in vitro grown, GPGV infected vines were dipped into a solution containing the dsRNA for two hours or 24 hours and then re-introduced to tissue culture (TC) to grow further. The viral load of each treatment was evaluated seven days later.

 

Results

  • A significant decrease in viral load was observed in vines seven days after dip treatment.
  • The effect was more pronounced in shoot tips dipped for 24 hours, compared to the two-hour treatment.
  • This study represents the first successful GPGV control in vines grown in tissue culture in a laboratory using dsRNA-mediated control.

 

Significance of the study

The current protocol for managing grapevine virus-causing diseases requires a multi-faceted approach, where certified planting material, vector control and roguing (removal of infected vines) are required. This type of approach is complex, and the re-infection risk is ever present. Novell approaches targeting viruses at a gene-expression level might prove a valuable tool in the future in the plant improvement industry and on the farm level where vines are already infected and presenting symptoms.

 

Reference:

Kaur, K., Rinaldo, A., Rodoni, B. & Constable, F. (2024).  Exogenous application of double-stranded RNA to reduce grapevine Pinot gris virus titre in in vitro grown Vitis vinifera. Vitis Vol. 36. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5073/vitis.2024.63.06

 

Image: Image by Peace,love,happiness from Pixabay

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