Transgene Stacking as Effective Tool for Enhanced Disease Resistance in Plants

Introduction of more than one gene into crop plants simultaneously or sequentially, called transgene stacking, has been a more effective strategy for conferring higher and durable insect and disease resistance in transgenic plants than single-gene technology. Transgenes can be stacked against one or more pathogens or for traits such as herbicide tolerance or anthocyanin pigmentation. Polygenic agronomic traits can be improved by multiple gene transformation. The most widely engineered stacked traits are insect resistance and herbicide tolerance as these traits may lead to lesser use of pesticides, higher yield, and efficient control of weeds. In this review, we summarize transgene stacking of two or more transgenes into crops for different agronomic traits, potential applications of gene stacking, its limitations and future prospects.