Pepper Veinal Mottle Virus (PVMV)-Based Vector for Expressing Pathogen-Derived Resistance in Pepper.

Area of Science:

• Plant pathology
• Molecular biology
• Agricultural biotechnology

Background:

• Pathogen-derived resistance (PDR) is a key strategy for managing plant viral diseases in agriculture.
• Genetically modified crops expressing viral coat protein (CP) demonstrate efficacy against specific viruses.
• Cultivated pepper species present significant challenges for genetic transformation and regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an alternative method for inducing PDR in pepper plants.
• To utilize an attenuated virus-based vector for delivering target viral genes.
• To establish a protocol for triggering PDR in pepper against viral pathogens.

Main Methods:

• Employing an attenuated strain of pepper veinal mottle virus (PVMV) as a vector.
• Designing the vector for the delivery of target virus CP or genomic fragments.
• Developing a detailed protocol for vector application in pepper plants.

Main Results:

• Successful delivery of viral CP into pepper plants using the PVMV-based vector.
• Demonstration of PDR induction in treated pepper plants.
• Establishment of a viable alternative to genetic transformation for PDR.

Conclusions:

• The PVMV-based vector system provides a practical approach for PDR induction in recalcitrant pepper varieties.
• This method offers a promising strategy for enhancing crop resistance to viral diseases.
• The protocol facilitates the application of PDR in agricultural settings for pepper cultivation.