Transforming a NEP1 toxin gene into two Fusarium spp. to enhance mycoherbicide activity on Orobanche—failure and success

Abstract

Wild-type Fusarium sp. #CNCM I-1621 does not contain a NEP1-like gene, explaining why it seemed amenable to transformation with high expression, and its virulence was probably enhanced by not cosuppressing the endogenous gene as occurred with Fusarium oxysporum #CNCM I-1622.

Parasitic angiosperms, semagenesis and general strategies for plant–plant signaling in the rhizosphere

“…As the study of semagenesis in parasitic angiosperms converges with the more robust genetic and physiological model organisms of A. thaliana and N. tabacum , a wealth of new experimental approaches should emerge. The results of these studies may contribute to the emerging robust strategies for controlling parasitic plants 19, 49. Furthermore, with more than 50 years of evidence implicating derivatives of plant cell‐wall phenolics in plant growth, development and the oxidative burst response,6, 50 semagenesis may now extend the activity of these compounds to a common language in rhizosphere ecology.…”

“…The results of these studies may contribute to the emerging robust strategies for controlling parasitic plants. 19,49 Furthermore, with more than 50 years of evidence implicating derivatives of plant cell-wall phenolics in plant growth, development and the oxidative burst response, 6,50 semagenesis may now extend the activity of these compounds to a common language in rhizosphere ecology. Translating such a language would enrich our understanding of host recognition and parasitic commitment, provide unique insights and strategies for regulating plant growth and development and open new approaches for managing soil ecology.…”

The other, ignored HIV — highly invasive vegetation

“…using this approach, but not enough to try field testing (e.g. Meir et al 2009), and it has not been tried with Striga, due to regulatory constraints. There has even been a suggestion to transgenically insert genes into Striga that when disseminated in a population via pollen would render the females sterile (Rector 2009).…”

Crops with target‐site herbicide resistance for Orobanche and Striga control

“…Herbicide resistance would integrate well and augment the biocontrol strategies being developed for Striga 51 and for Orobanche ,52 as it is envisaged that the biocontrol agents, too, would be disseminated on the crop seed. If the biocontrol fungi are not resistant to the target‐site herbicide used, the pathogens will either have to be transformed to resistance or mutagenised and selected for herbicide resistance.…”