十字花科作物“癌症”防治获突破

Core Viewpoint - The research team from the Oilseed Crop Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences has identified the GSL5 gene, which mediates broad-spectrum resistance to root-knot disease in cruciferous crops such as rapeseed, cabbage, and kale, providing significant advancements in disease resistance breeding [1] Group 1: Research Findings - The study reveals that root-knot disease, caused by root-knot nematodes, is a major challenge for cruciferous crops, often referred to as the "cancer" of these plants [1] - The GSL5 gene was identified as a key conserved gene that root-knot nematodes exploit to shut down the jasmonic acid defense pathway, facilitating disease [1] - By knocking out the GSL5 gene, plants can reactivate the jasmonic acid defense pathway, leading to the development of new, broadly resistant varieties of rapeseed, cabbage, and kale without negatively impacting growth and yield under field conditions [1] Group 2: Implications for Agriculture - The findings provide critical genetic resources, germplasm, and technical methods for the effective and sustainable control of root-knot disease in cruciferous crops [1] - The research addresses the global challenge of developing durable disease resistance in crops, which has been hindered by narrow resistance sources and rapid loss of resistance in existing varieties [1]