PVX-tolerant potato development using a nucleic acid-hydrolyzing recombinant antibody

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Molecular Biology
• Plant Pathology

Background:

• 3D8 scFv is a catalytic antibody with nucleic acid-hydrolyzing activity.
• Previous research showed 3D8 scFv confers broad-spectrum viral resistance in tobacco plants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of 3D8 scFv gene transformation in potatoes for conferring resistance to potato virus X (PVX).
• To evaluate the impact of PVX tolerance on potato tuber yield and quality.

Main Methods:

• Potato plants were genetically modified with the 3D8 scFv gene.
• Transgenic lines (T0, T1, T2, T3) were challenged with PVX and screened using ELISA and RT-PCR.
• Virus tolerance and its persistence during asexual propagation were assessed in field and growth chamber studies.

Main Results:

• 44% of T3 transgenic potato lines exhibited tolerance to PVX infection.
• PVX-tolerant T3 tubers were 60% larger and 24% heavier than controls.
• Viral tolerance conferred by 3D8 scFv was stable through asexual propagation.

Conclusions:

• Genetic transformation with 3D8 scFv gene effectively confers PVX tolerance in potatoes.
• PVX-resistant transgenic potatoes show enhanced tuber yield and size.
• 3D8 scFv provides a sustainable strategy for potato virus disease management.