Mechanisms involved in crop resistance to the green peach aphid Myzus persicae
Lead Research Organisation:
University of East Anglia
Department Name: Graduate Office
Abstract
The green peach aphid (GPA) Myzus persicae and other insects produce virulence proteins (effectors) in their saliva that interact with plant proteins (targets) to modulate key plant processes, such as plant defense responses, that make the plants more susceptible to aphid colonization. Hence, we wish to increase plant resistance to aphids by preventing effector-target interactions through the introduction of effector-insensitive target alleles into plants using transgenic and non-transgenic approaches.
If successful, this project will open up a plethora of new avenues to obtain resistance to GPA, and possibility other sap-feeding insects, of multiple economically important plant species.
This project is a collaboration with SESVanderHave UK LTD (SV), a leading breeder of sugar beet varieties with a proven performance worldwide. A goal of this proposal is for SV to develop resources and technologies so that they will be in an excellent position to take advantage of the new discoveries made in this project and obtain GPA-resistant sugar beet more quickly.
The student will focus on achieving the following aims:
-Assess how GPA effectors modulate Arabidopsis thaliana defense responses to aphids.
-Determine to what extent the A. thaliana response pathways modulated by GPA effectors are conserved in sugar beet.
-Examine variations in defense responses among sugar beet lines/accessions to GPA.
If successful, this project will open up a plethora of new avenues to obtain resistance to GPA, and possibility other sap-feeding insects, of multiple economically important plant species.
This project is a collaboration with SESVanderHave UK LTD (SV), a leading breeder of sugar beet varieties with a proven performance worldwide. A goal of this proposal is for SV to develop resources and technologies so that they will be in an excellent position to take advantage of the new discoveries made in this project and obtain GPA-resistant sugar beet more quickly.
The student will focus on achieving the following aims:
-Assess how GPA effectors modulate Arabidopsis thaliana defense responses to aphids.
-Determine to what extent the A. thaliana response pathways modulated by GPA effectors are conserved in sugar beet.
-Examine variations in defense responses among sugar beet lines/accessions to GPA.
Publications
Roland H.M. Wouters
(2021)
The genetic diversity of natural populations of Myzus persicae, a polyphagous aphid species
Mugford S
(2020)
High quality DNA extraction from very small individual insects v1
Mathers, T.C
(2022)
Aphidinae comparative genomics resource
in Zenodo
Mathers TC
(2021)
Chromosome-Scale Genome Assemblies of Aphids Reveal Extensively Rearranged Autosomes and Long-Term Conservation of the X Chromosome.
in Molecular biology and evolution
Cho ST
(2020)
Complete Genome Sequence of "Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris" RP166, a Plant Pathogen Associated with Rapeseed Phyllody Disease in Poland.
in Microbiology resource announcements
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/M011216/1 | 01/10/2015 | 31/03/2024 | |||
| 1805607 | Studentship | BB/M011216/1 | 01/10/2016 | 28/02/2021 | Roland Henricus Maria Wouters |
| Description | The green peach aphid Myzus persicae has a broad plant host range of over 400 species from over 40 families and is a significant insect pest of many crops. Furthermore, M. persicae transmits approximately 100 plant viruses and has developed resistance to more than 70 insecticides. So far, knowledge of crop resistance mechanisms to aphids is limited. Sugar beet productions are particularly challenged by insect-vectored viruses and specifically those transmitted by M. persicae. The objectives of the research described in this thesis were (i) to identify resistance to M. persicae and yellows virus within existing sugar beet germplasm and (ii) to investigate the genetic diversity of M. persicae found on sugar beet in field plots around Europe. It was found there is variation in resistance to M. persicae among sugar beet lines and varieties. Moreover, M. persicae clones vary in their ability to colonise sugar beet in laboratory conditions. Existing microsatellite markers were not specific enough for aphid genotyping. I contributed to obtaining a chromosome-level M. persicae genome assembly, which was used for a genomics population approach to study the genetic diversity of M. persicae that colonise sugar beet across Europe. Various population genetics analyses methods identified 11 sweeps that were further investigated for the underlying genes involved. One of the sweeps associated with M. persicae plant host preference included candidate effector genes. In conclusion, research conducted in this PhD project showed that there is a level of resistance in sugar beet germplasm to some M. persicae clones and that field populations of M. persicae that colonise sugar beet in fields across Europe are highly diverse. These findings represent a significant step towards the identification of new approaches to obtain stable sugar beet resistance. |
| Exploitation Route | Data generated in this project can be used by our industrial partner part of this CASE studentship for plant resistance breeding strategies. |
| Sectors | Agriculture, Food and Drink |
| Description | We have generated a strong connection with research labs in Kenya. This was developed during a course given in Pwani University in Kenya. This project acquired and strengthen open and short-lined communication between the industrial partner and JIC. We generated many whole-genome sequences of important pest species, such as the generalist aphid the green peach aphid, that would be coming publicly available in the future. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2019 |
| Impact Types | Societal |
| Description | JIC KEC Flexible Talent Mobility Award |
| Amount | £14,639 (GBP) |
| Organisation | John Innes Centre |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | 03/2021 |
| End | 09/2021 |
| Description | OpenPlant-Biomaker Challenge |
| Amount | £2,750 (GBP) |
| Organisation | OpenPlant Fund |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| Start | 06/2019 |
| End | 11/2019 |
| Title | Nanopore for aphids |
| Description | We optimized DNA isolation methods for nanopore sequencing of aphid genomes. |
| Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
| Year Produced | 2019 |
| Provided To Others? | Yes |
| Impact | We are able to improve aphid genome assemblies. |
| Title | We improved a system to preserve DNA within a dead aphids on room temperature |
| Description | We used silica gel in an eppendorf tube and protected the aphid inside a filter pipette tip. This filter pipette tip protects the aphid, while the aphid dries out by the indirect contact with the silica gel through the filter. |
| Type Of Material | Technology assay or reagent |
| Year Produced | 2017 |
| Provided To Others? | No |
| Impact | I have designed storage capsules/tubes that are able to preserve DNA quality and quantity of dead aphid samples for over 8 weeks on room temperature. This gives opportunity to collect samples over the world with easy shipment. No hazardous substances such as ethanol or dry-ice are needed. |
| Description | A joint UK-Kenya phytoplasma research initiative |
| Organisation | Government of Kenya |
| Country | Kenya |
| Sector | Public |
| PI Contribution | We established a collaboration to sequence and research emerging phytoplasma strains found in Kenya. We want to help researchers and the government in Kenya to understand the threats of the phytoplasma diseases spreading over Kenya. We have the expertise to use long-read sequencing techniques such as the Oxford Nanopore technology. We want to teach the skill of high-molecular weight DNA extraction and ONT Nanopore sequencing technique to researchers from Kenya. |
| Collaborator Contribution | They were sending us information of the state of the disease and will be collecting samples for us to sequence. We will sequence the strains together with a researcher from Kenya to teach them/him the protocols. |
| Impact | The project was conceived to address growing phytoplasma-associated threats faced by sub-sarahan African farmers and stakeholders. |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Description | A joint UK-Kenya phytoplasma research initiative |
| Organisation | Pwani University |
| Country | Kenya |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | We established a collaboration to sequence and research emerging phytoplasma strains found in Kenya. We want to help researchers and the government in Kenya to understand the threats of the phytoplasma diseases spreading over Kenya. We have the expertise to use long-read sequencing techniques such as the Oxford Nanopore technology. We want to teach the skill of high-molecular weight DNA extraction and ONT Nanopore sequencing technique to researchers from Kenya. |
| Collaborator Contribution | They were sending us information of the state of the disease and will be collecting samples for us to sequence. We will sequence the strains together with a researcher from Kenya to teach them/him the protocols. |
| Impact | The project was conceived to address growing phytoplasma-associated threats faced by sub-sarahan African farmers and stakeholders. |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Description | Knowledge exchange: DNA extraction methods for de novo sequencing of insects |
| Organisation | Kenyan Institute for Medical Research (KEMRI) |
| Department | KEMRI CGMRC Programme |
| Country | Kenya |
| Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
| PI Contribution | Developing a protocol for high molecular weight DNA extraction for ONT Minion sequencing of Tunga penetrans. We help by using our experience and expertise to get them achieving their goals (getting long-read sequences for the sand flea). |
| Collaborator Contribution | Our partners will perform all the lab work at their research institute and will discuss their previous used protocols that were unsuccessful for obtaining their goal. |
| Impact | We have good communication between the research institutes. We do not have any main outcomes yet, but proceeding with troubleshooting via email communication. |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Description | Knowledge exchange: DNA extraction methods for de novo sequencing of insects |
| Organisation | Pwani University |
| Country | Kenya |
| Sector | Academic/University |
| PI Contribution | Developing a protocol for high molecular weight DNA extraction for ONT Minion sequencing of Tunga penetrans. We help by using our experience and expertise to get them achieving their goals (getting long-read sequences for the sand flea). |
| Collaborator Contribution | Our partners will perform all the lab work at their research institute and will discuss their previous used protocols that were unsuccessful for obtaining their goal. |
| Impact | We have good communication between the research institutes. We do not have any main outcomes yet, but proceeding with troubleshooting via email communication. |
| Start Year | 2019 |
| Description | Roland Wouters DTP |
| Organisation | John Innes Centre |
| Department | Department of Crop Genetics |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Sector | Private |
| PI Contribution | As part of an ongoing collaboration with Prof. Saskia Hogenhout (SH) (FLF host) I have joined the supervisory team of JIC PhD student Roland Wouters. This has given me an opportunity to gain experience of student supervision and mentorship to aid my career development and given RW the benefit of my experience and experitse in evolutionary genomics. I have been sueprvising RW since April 2018 attending regular progress meetings, giving feedback on experimental design and training in bioinformatics. |
| Collaborator Contribution | RWs PhD project and my fellowship will benefit from improving the genome assembly of the green peach aphid Myzus periscae. SH has therefore provided funding for nanopore long read sequencing (approx £2,000) and in vivo HiC library preparation and sequencing (~£5,000). RW optimised nanopore sequencing of aphids as part of his PhD project and I used this data to generate a contiguous, high quality, chromosome-scale assembly of M. persicea. This assembly will be used for aphid comparative genome analysis detailed in my fellowship and for population genomic analysis of RW. |
| Impact | None as yet. |
| Start Year | 2018 |
| Description | A visit of undergraduate students from Ghent University College (BE) to the John Innes Centre |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | Visit by ~30 students and staff of Ghent University College, Belgium. 2 post-docs from the Hogenhout lab and I presented and summarised the work that is done in the Hogenhout lab. we were able to talk with the students to increase their interest in plant-insect interaction and if them greater knowledge of the impact of the research for crop resistance to the green peach aphid. Additionally, we were able to explain the diversity of aphid species and the differences in host range and host species. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |
| Description | A visit of undergraduate students from Wageningen (NL) to the John Innes Centre |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Undergraduate students |
| Results and Impact | ~30 undergraduate and graduate students from Wageningen University visited the John Innes Centre. During this visit I was able to show them the John Innes Centre and explained how it is to be a postgraduate student in the UK under the Doctoral Training Programme. Additionally I was able to show my enthusiasm in plant-insect interactions. I was able to convince the impact and the interest in research of the green peach aphid. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Contributions to the JIC Open Day |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Regional |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | I helped during the open day of the John Innes Centre for its 50th year in Norwich. I was able to explain my project to the general public and gain their interest for plant insect interactions. Moreover, I was able to raise the importance of research for resistance to the green peach aphid. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
| Description | Invited speaker to a focus group meeting (Genetics and breeding) of the international institute of sugar beet research |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
| Results and Impact | A focus group meeting (Genetics and breeding) of the international institute of sugar beet research. During this meeting I was one of the 4 invited speakers and around 40 people from breeding companies and sugar beet institutes attended. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | Selected for presentation in a international conference (POPgroup 2020) |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | International |
| Primary Audience | Professional Practitioners |
| Results and Impact | I was selected to give a oral presentation in an international conference. the title was: Global diversity of the generalist aphid Myzus persicae. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2020 |
| Description | Visit to JIC by the Flying Farmers association |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Visit to JIC by the Flying Farmers association. During this they reported a raised interest in the research performed at the JIC. Additionally, I managed to inform them about the importance of plant resistance against insect pests. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |