Scientists from the University of California, Riverside have made a breakthrough discovery in the ongoing fight against gray mold. Gray mold, considered the second most destructive fungus for cultivated plants worldwide, attacks over 1400 different species of plants. This mold causes significant crop losses each year and poses a threat to global food security.
The new discovery, published in the journal Cell Host & Microbe, sheds light on the tactic that plants use to defend themselves against the aggressive mold. It turns out that plants utilize small lipid “bubbles” filled with ribonucleic acid (RNA) as secret molecular tools. These microscopic bubbles penetrate the mold cells and release various types of RNA to suppress its infectious characteristics.
Lead researcher Professor Hailing Jin from the Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology at UCR explains that plants are not passive victims of mold invasion. On the contrary, they actively defend themselves by utilizing these ingenious lipid bubbles. This discovery provides valuable insights into the mechanisms plants employ to protect themselves.
The study reveals that the RNA bubbles can encode proteins that disrupt the function of the mold’s mitochondria, inhibiting its growth and virulence. It is unclear why the fungus accepts these lipid bubbles, but it is speculated that it may mistake them for a source of nutrients.
This innovative defense strategy is highly effective for plants. Scientists note the benefits of delivering mRNA as a molecular tool, as it can be translated into numerous copies of proteins, enhancing its impact on the mold. Additionally, it is worth noting that fungi also use similar lipid bubbles to suppress the host plant’s immunity, suggesting an ongoing coevolutionary arms race between these organisms.
The implications of this discovery extend beyond understanding the interactions between plants and gray mold. The research team intends to use these findings to develop ecologically-friendly RNA-based fungicides. These RNA-based fungicides will leave no toxic residues in the environment and pose no threat to humans or animals. Furthermore, RNA is already present in most food and easily digestible, making it a safe and sustainable solution.
As the battle against pests and pathogens continues, these new insights into the molecular warfare between plants and gray mold offer hope for more effective crop protection strategies and food security.
Source: ucr.edu
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
What plants are most susceptible to gray mold attack?
Gray mold can be found on over 1400 different species of cultivated plants, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and flowers.
Why is the discovery of lipid RNA bubbles important?
The discovery of lipid RNA bubbles is important because it provides valuable information about plant defense mechanisms against fungal attacks. This may lead to the development of more effective and environmentally-friendly methods to combat gray mold.
How can these findings be utilized in crop protection?
Scientists plan to develop ecologically-friendly RNA-based fungicides that will leave no toxic residues and pose no threat to the environment, humans, or animals.
Definitions:
– Gray mold: a fungal disease of plants that causes the formation of soft, brownish moldy patches on fruits, vegetables, and other cultivated plants.
– Lipid bubbles: small vesicles filled with lipids that plants utilize as molecular tools in the fight against fungal attacks.
– RNA: ribonucleic acid, which plays a role in the transfer of genetic information and regulation of cellular processes.
– Fungicide: a chemical or natural substance that kills or inhibits the growth of fungi.
The source of the article is from the blog procarsrl.com.ar