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Enhanced insect resistance in Thai rice varieties generated by particle bombardment

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Angharad MR GatehouseORCiD

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Abstract

We used particle bombardment to transform two elite Thai rice varieties, Khao Dawk Mali 105 (KDML105) and Supanburi 60 (SP60), with the snowdrop lectin gene gna (Galanthus nivalis agglutinin). This gene confers resistance to sap-sucking insects such as the brown planthopper (BPH; Nilaparvata lugens), which is one of the most damaging pests of rice. Traditionally, KDML105 and SP60 have been regarded as recalcitrant to transformation, and this is the first account of successful gene transfer to these varieties. By molecular analysis, we confirmed the recovery of over thirty gna-transgenic lines. GNA protein expression was characterised by western blot analysis, and we achieved expression levels of up to 0.25% total soluble protein. GNA-producing R-1 transgenic plants were significantly more resistant to BPH than control plants (P < 0.0001), with 37% and 42% reduction in nymphal survival for constitutive and phloem-specific expression, respectively. Transferring the gna gene to these superior rice varieties thus represents a major step forward for crop improvement in Thailand, and should help to reduce the damage caused by rice pests, and hence increase yields for this vital domestic and export market.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Gatehouse AMR; Tinjuangjun P; Loc NT; Gatehouse JA; Christou P

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Molecular Breeding

Year: 2000

Volume: 6

Issue: 4

Pages: 391-399

ISSN (print): 1380-3743

ISSN (electronic): 1572-9788

Publisher: Springer Netherlands

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1009633703157

DOI: 10.1023/A:1009633703157

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