Abstract:

We propose to improve and evaluate the use of genes expressed and involved in the resistance to fungal attack in the control of rice blast and other fungal diseases, as major pests for rice in Europe. Selected resistance genes will be engineered under inducible or constitutive promoters to create new rice genotypes enhanced for resistance. The engineered genotypes will carry one or two genes in combination in order to evaluate their action in synergism. They will be challenged against attacks of the pathogens in controlled glasshouse conditions, as well as evaluated in the field for an assessment of the general performance and resistance in natural conditions. Once resistance has been demonstrated, the programme aims to understand the mechanisms of action of the new traits acquired at the level of genetics, molecular biology, physiology and pathology, in an integrated approach. Finally, engineered genotypes will be proposed in experimental trials for an assessment of a valuable strategy in terms of crop protection of rice in Europe.

Objectives:

The overall objective of the programme is to improve and evaluate the use of PR genes (genes expressed and involved in the resistance to fungal attack) in the control of rice blast as a major fungal disease of rice in Europe, and other fungal diseases. This approach aims to create new rice genotypes enhanced for resistance, and addresses the construction of modified cultivars protected against massive attacks of the pathogens as well as an evaluation of the genetically modified genotypes in the environment. Once resistance had been demonstrated, the programme aims to understand the mechanisms of action of the new trait(s) acquired at the level of genetics, molecular biology, physiology and pathology, in an integrated approach. The final objective of the programme is to identify a valuable strategy in terms of crop protection of rice in Europe, associated to an assessment with the impact of GM-rice in the areas where rice is cultivated.

Contacts

Coordinator

• Elisabetta LUPOTTO / Experimental Institute for Cereal Research ITALY

EC Scientific Officer

• European Commission DG Agriculture BELGIUM

Participant

• Blanca SAN SEGUNDO / CID-CSIC, Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona Departamento Genética Molecular / SPAIN
• Didier THARREAU / Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement CIRAD-CA / FRANCE
• Joaquima MESSEGUER / Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries - IRTA Departament de Genètica Vegetal / SPAIN
• Dimitrios NTANOS / NAGREF - Cereal Institute GREECE
• Plantechno SRL ITALY
• Ulrich SCHAFFRATH / Reinisch-Westfalische Technische Hochschule - RWTH Institut für Biologie III / GERMANY
• David B COLLINGE / Royal Veterinary and Agricultural Research University Department of Plant Biology / DENMARK
• Michael R. DAVEY / University of Nottingham Plant Science Division / UNITED KINGDOM