Pooled effector library screening in protoplasts rapidly identifies novel Avr genes

Area of Science:

• Plant pathology
• Genetics
• Crop science

Background:

• Crop disease resistance is crucial but challenged by evolving pathogen virulence.
• Identifying pathogen avirulence (Avr) genes interacting with plant resistance (R) genes is essential but lacks high-throughput methods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a high-throughput screening platform for rapid identification of plant R-Avr gene interactions.
• To address the technology gap in Avr gene discovery for crop protection.

Main Methods:

• Developed a pooled library screening platform using plant protoplasts.
• Screened a library of putative effectors against known R genes.
• Validated the platform using wheat stem rust (Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici).

Main Results:

• Successfully isolated known and novel Avr genes from wheat stem rust.
• Demonstrated the platform's efficacy in identifying R-Avr gene pairs.
• Provided molecular tools for tracking pathogen virulence evolution.

Conclusions:

• The developed platform enables rapid Avr gene identification, crucial for crop breeding.
• This technology facilitates understanding pathogen evolution and optimizing resistance gene deployment.
• The platform has broad applicability for various crop pathogens and selectable traits.