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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Stoneville, Mississippi » Crop Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #287769
Title: Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of the soybean pathogen Phomopsis longicolla

Author
item Li, Shuxian
item RIDENOUR, JOHN - University Of Arkansas
item HIRSCH, ROBERT - University Of Arkansas
item RUPE, JOHN - University Of Arkansas
item BLUHM, BURTON - University Of Arkansas

Submitted to: Journal of Microbiological Methods
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/18/2012
Publication Date: 2/22/2013
Citation: Li, S., Ridenour, J.B., Hirsch, R.L., Rupe, J.C., Bluhm, B.H. 2013. Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation of the soybean pathogen Phomopsis longicolla . Journal of Microbiological Methods. 92:244-245.

Interpretive Summary: Phomopsis seed decay (PSD) of soybean impairs seed germination, reduces seedling vigor, and can substantially reduce stand establishment. In hot and humid conditions, PSD can cause significant yield losses. To develop durable genetic resistance, it is important to understand how the pathogen causes PSD. In this study, we develop a genetic transformation system with a visible marker (green florescent protein) that allows monitoring how the pathogen infects soybean. This system will contribute a useful tool for mutating/changing the PSD causing pathogen and other pathogens of soybean.

Technical Abstract: Phomopsis seed decay (PSD) of soybean is caused primarily by the fungal pathogen Phomopsis longicolla. PSD impairs seed germination, reduces seedling vigor, and can substantially reduce stand establishment. In hot and humid conditions, PSD can cause significant yield losses. Few studies have explored molecular mechanisms underlying virulence in P. longicolla. A major hindrance to functional genomics in P. longicolla has been the lack of a reliable genetic transformation system for the pathogen. As a foundation for future functional genomic research in the soybean pathogen P. longicolla, we developed a robust and reliable Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation system. Transformants of P. longicolla were analyzed to assess the expression of the green florescent protein (GFP) and confirmed by Southern blot analysis.This is the first report of P. longicolla transformation, and will contribute a useful tool for insertional mutagenesis studies in an important pathogen of soybean.