The first route will be to introduce a coat protein (CP) gene from bean pod mottle virus (BPMV) to impart specific resistance to that virus. Dr. George Lomonossoff, a researcher at John Innes Institute (United Kingdom) has agreed to send us his BPMV CP gene. It is not patent protected, but if used commercially, we would have to agree to a licensing arrangement with the Institute. (We are currently doing such, since this is an applied research project and those negotiations should be conducted in the early stages of the project.)

Dr. Linas Padegimas, a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in my lab working on a root-knot nematode resistance project, has isolated two versions of PAP genes. We classify ours as PAP-like since they are similar to the anti-viral genes isolated from pokeweed (Phytolacca americana). Therefore, we are confident they will work similarly. PAP genes have been proven useful in generating resistance to both viruses (plant and animal) and to fungi in transgenic tobacco plants.

PAP genes from pokeweed and other plants species have been patent-protected by other research groups (universities/companies), but our PAP-like genes do not fall under any of those patents since they were isolated from a plant species not covered by those patents. Therefore, we will be filing a provisional patent application on our genes when we can find a source of funds to do such.

In addition to imparting general resistance to viruses, the PAP-like gene when introduced into soybean may also impart fungal resistance. We also plant to use modified versions of this gene in other crops to develop root-knot nematode resistance in plants.

3. We have proven our combined transformation/regeneration protocols will yield transgenic soybeans.

Under the MSPB project "Development of Gene Transfer Protocols for Soybean" conducted by Drs. Reichert and Tyler, we have refined our selection protocol - the last step in our multi-step system for producing transgenic soybeans. We determined the optimal levels of Ignite (Liberty; phosphinothricin-based herbicide) to add to our media which allows the selective growth and development of transgenic soybean shoots (we introduced a gene which imparts resistance to that herbicide). We have small transgenic soybean shoots that will be rooted and transferred to Dr. Tyler later this year after we perform various molecular analyses on them.

4. Drs. Sciumbato and Tyler have agreed to contribute their requisite areas of expertise which should aid in the successful completion of this proposed research.

Publication

Dan, Y., and N.A. Reichert. 1998. Organogenic regeneration of soybean from hypocotyl explants. In Vitro Cellular and Developmental Biology - Plant 34:14-21.

Soybeans in Mississippi Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station  Mississippi State University Extension Service Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine

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