Phenotypic and genetic characterization of Erwinia carotovora from mulberry (Morus spp.)

Phenotypic and genetic characteristics of nine bacterial strains isolated from mulberry ( Morus spp.), which were originally described as Erwinia carotovora ssp. carotovora (Ecc), were investigated. Based on the results of biochemical tests, these bacterial strains were divided into two different types, type 1 and type 2. Two strains of type 1 were similar to Ecc, whereas seven strains of type 2 were distinct from Ecc. A polyphasic study that included serological assay, specific PCR assay for E. carotovora ssp. atroseptica (Eca), PCR-RFLP of a pectate lyase ( pel ) gene and RAPD-PCR was performed on the type 2 strains, and the data were compared with those of related E. carotovora subspecies. The results of serological and specific PCR assays for Eca showed that the type 2 strains were distinct from Eca. In RFLP analysis of the pel gene using Sau 3AI, the type 2 strains showed a unique RFLP pattern. On the basis of RAPD analysis, similarity of RAPD patterns within the type 2 strains was very high. A unique RAPD fragment was isolated from the type 2 strains and used as a probe for Southern hybridization. This probe hybridized only with PCR products from the type 2 strains. Based on phenotypic, serological and genetic characteristics, the type 2 strains isolated from mulberry may belong to a distinct E. carotovora subspecies other than Eca or Ecc.     

SSR-based genetic linkage analysis of resistance to crown rust (Puccinia coronata f. sp. lolii) in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne)

Crown rust (caused by Puccinia coronata f. sp. lolii) is a serious foliar disease of the pasture and turfgrass perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne). Previous genetic studies have detected both qualitative and quantitative resistance mechanisms, and interpretation of the genetic system is complicated by variation within the sexually reproducing pathogen. Resistant and susceptible parental genotypes of ryegrass were identified using a composite urediniospore population collected from three geographically distinct locations. A two-way pseudo-testcross mapping population was obtained as the F₁ progeny of the pair-cross between ryegrass parental genotypes Vedette₆ and Victorian₉. Both parents showed intermediate resistance against a pathogen population collected in a single geographical zone (Hamilton, Victoria), but in the F₁ population, significant variation for a range of resistance-associated characters was detected. Statistical analysis of phenotypic data suggested a major gene effect, hence bulked segregant analysis with map-assigned simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers was used to scan the genome. A marker showing strong association with resistance was assigned to linkage group (LG) 2 of perennial ryegrass. Analysis of 11 LG2 SSR markers defined an interval between loci xlpssrh03f03 and xlpssrk02e02 as containing the gene or genes (LpPc1) conferring crown rust resistance. Resistance gene determinants were inherited from both parents, with up to 80% of the total phenotypic variation explained by markers segregating from Vedette₆ and up to 26% of the variation explained by markers segregating from Victorian₉. The two contributions together resulted in an additive increase in effect, with fully resistant individuals requiring determinants from both parents. A conserved syntenic relationship was observed with linkage group B of Avena strigosa, which is the location of a cluster of resistance genes to the oat form of crown rust. The implications of this study for marker-assisted selection of disease resistance in perennial ryegrass are discussed.     

Functional analysis of the 3′ end of avrBs3/pthA genes from two Xanthomonas species

The phytopathogens Xanthomonas oryzae pathovar (pv.) oryzae and Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri each contain several avrBs3/pthA family genes. Structural features of these genes important for avirulence and/or virulence functions include a central region of multiple direct repeats and three nuclear localization signals (NLSs) and an acidic activation domain (AAD) at the 3′ end. To identify other regions critical to function in the 3′ ends of these genes, we constructed several chimeras using apl1 and apl2 from X. axonopodis pv. citri and avrXa10 and avrXa7 from X. oryzae pv. oryzae and evaluated their functions by inoculation to citrus and rice. The apl1 and avrXa7 genes are major virulence determinants in citrus and rice, respectively, while the contributions of apl2 and avrXa10 to virulence are negligible or not measurable. Constructs that contained a 417 bp HincII-SphI fragment from the 3′ end of apl1 in combination with the repeats from avrXa7, avrXa10, and apl1 caused a canker phenotype on citrus. Interchange of the HincII-SphI fragment between avrXa7 and avrXa10 abolishes avrXa7 avirulence function and reduces its virulence but it does not affect avrXa10 avirulence function in rice. avrXa7 caused a hypersensitive response (HR) in citrus and replacement of it's 3′ end with that of apl1 resulted in loss of canker and induction of HR. Thus, the HincII-SphI fragment of the avrBs3/pthA gene family is important for avirulence and virulence functions in two different plant species, Oryza sativa and Citrus natsudaidai HAYATA.     

Evidence that a Leaf-Disk Test Allows Assessment of Isolate-Specific Resistance in Brassica oleracea Crops Against Downy Mildew (Peronospora parasitica)

A rapid resistance/susceptibility test for Peronospora parasitica (downy mildew) was established by inoculating leaf-disks of four Brassica oleracea accessions. Several conditions were tested: disk disinfection or not, agar medium with or without nutrients and with 50 or 100 ppm of benzimidazole. Using disinfected disks placed on agar (no nutrient and benzimidazole at 50 or 100 ppm), the responses of leaf-disks to four isolates were similar to those obtained using the classical cotyledon test, whereas undesired contaminations occurred in all other conditions. The possible effect of the particular leaf used for obtaining the disks was also studied. In each incompatible interaction tested, disks were resistant whatever the leaf used. In compatible interactions, susceptible phenotypes were observed on disks derived from the six lowest leaves, but disks from upper leaves were resistant. The genetic basis of resistance in a F1 hybrid broccoli was assessed, by testing six isolates on an F2 population derived from this hybrid. The cotyledon test only allows inoculation of two isolates per seedling, whereas many isolates can be tested on each plant by using leaf-disks. The segregation of the resistance to each of the six isolates was analysed: two dominant genes (tightly linked) control resistance to all isolates (one to five isolates; the other to only one isolate).     

对鳞翅目害虫有活性的cry1C基因的克隆和表达

在鉴定苏云金芽孢杆菌(Bacillus thuringiensis，简称Bt)Btc001菌株cry基因型的基础上，构建了Btc001菌株质粒DNA HindⅢ片段的文库，并利用聚合酶链式反应-限制性酶切片段多态性(PCIR-RFIP)方法筛选出含有crylC6全长基因的13．5kb大片段，酶切分析得到该片段的物理图谱，BamHI和EcoRI切完成了6．5kb含全长基因的亚克隆，并对这条6．5kb片段亚克隆、测序，序列在国际核酸序列数据库(GenBank)登记(AY007686)，并由Bt杀虫晶体蛋白基因国际命名委员会命名为cry1Cb2基因。根据序列设计了一对用于扩增全长基因的引物S581CB和S381CB，扩增产物插入表达载体pET-21b中，诱导后在大肠杆菌BL21(DE3)中获得高效表达。表达产物对小菜蛾(Plutella xylostella)表现出较高活性，LC50达到7．9μg/ml。     

转基因水稻对稻瘟病的抗性研究

 采用苗期初筛、复筛、抗谱测定和田间自然诱发试验等不同鉴定方法,对经分子检测证明已整合有碱性几丁质酶基因和β-1,3-葡聚精酶基因的22个转化系的转基因水稻植株进行稻瘟病抗性鉴定研究,筛选出对稻瘟病的抗性比原种对照七丝软占有明显提高的一系列转基因水稻品系,其中表现高抗的有来自F4-9转化株系的7个品系。高抗材料的R7代品系,经室内抗谱测定及田间病圃试验结果,仍然表现高抗稻瘟病。本研究通过转基因技术,成功地将优质感病品种改良成高抗品系,研究结果证明了利用基因工程手段培育抗病水稻新品种是一个非常有希望的育种途径。     

利用PCR技术同时鉴定番茄抗根结线虫和抗斑萎病毒基因

 利用同一PCR反应体系，对分别与番茄抗根结线虫的 基因和抗斑萎病毒(1w V)的Sw一5基因紧密连锁的SCAR标记进行了同时扩增筛选，扩增的特异性片段与单引物扩增片段完全吻合，其中与基因紧密连锁的SCAR1标记为共显性标记，抗感试材均产生750 bp的特异片段，纯合和杂合抗病基因型试材存在 I酶切位点，酶切后分别产生了570 bp、160 bp和750 bp、570 bp、160 bp的不同特异性片段，而感病基因型试材无 I酶切位点；与Sw一5基因紧密连锁的SCAR2标记为显性标记，只有抗病试材扩增出400 bD的特异性片段。经反复验证，结果稳定准确可靠，可用于在同一PCR反应体系中对两个抗病基因进行同时筛选鉴定。     

大白菜细胞核雄性不育基因向自交系97A407的转育

根据复等位基因遗传假说 ,利用大白菜核不育系 9810 9和已知基因型的甲型两用系可育株 99135 2作为不育源 ,以大白菜自交系 97A40 7为目标亲本 ,经过 5个世代的转育 ,获得了具有 97A40 7遗传基因型的新甲型两用系、临时保持系和雄性不育系。     

差异显示法研究不同锌源对组织基因表达的影响

选用Avine肉用仔鸡作为试验对象 ,饲喂硫酸锌和蛋氨酸锌 2种锌源。采用银染差异显示技术进行差异基因的初步筛选。结果成功回收扩增差异条带 2 6条 ;其中加锌组 (硫酸锌组和蛋氨酸锌组 ) 2 3条 ,3条为缺锌组所特有。在加锌组的 2 3条中 ,6条为蛋氨酸锌组所特有 ,1 3条为硫酸锌组所特有 ,其余 4条为 2组所共有。这些初步筛选得到的差异基因尚需进一步进行克隆、测序和杂交进行验证。