Location: Sunflower and Plant Biology Research
Project Number: 3060-21220-034-021-S
Project Type: Non-Assistance Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Jul 1, 2022
End Date: Dec 31, 2024
Objective:
1. Use gene editing tools to enhance the endogenous oxalic acid catabolism pathway in Brassica napus to more efficiently metabolize oxalic acid and enhance resistance to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum; and 2. Develop Brassica napus germplasm that has decreased sensitivity to oxalic acid and enhanced resistance to S. sclerotiorum.
Approach:
Utilizing molecular genetic tools including gene cloning, heterologous and endogenous expression of plant genes, CRISPR-based technology for non-transgenic mutagenesis, transcriptomic analysis of gene expression dynamics and host infection studies, we will identify genes and pathways required for host metabolism and response to pathogen-produced oxalic acid. These genes will be manipulated first transgenically in Arabidopsis thaliana and then cis-genically, through CRISPR technology, in Brassica napus to enhance tolerance to oxalic acid and provide resistance to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.
