A search for evidence of virus/transgene interactions in potatoes transformed with the potato leafroll virus replicase and coat protein genes

Abstract

A search was conducted to detect evidence for interactions between potato leafroll virus (PLRV)-derived transgenes expressed in Russet Burbank potato and viruses to which the transgenic plants were exposed and by which they were infected. More than 25000 plants in 442 lines transformed with 16 different coat protein gene (CP) constructs and nearly 40000 plants in 512 lines transformed with seven different replicase gene (Rep) constructs of PLRV were exposed to field infection over a 6-year period. These plants were individually inspected for type and severity of virus symptoms. Heterologous viruses found infecting the plants were identified and examined for alterations in transmission characteristics, serological affinity, host range, and symptoms. Selected isolates of PLRV from field-infected plants were examined for unusual symptoms produced in diagnostic hosts and for alteration in sedimentation properties in density gradient tubes. Viruses that were propagated in selected transgenic lines in a greenhouse were examined for similar alterations. Transmission characteristics and serological properties were not altered when they replicated in potatoes containing CP constructs in the field or greenhouse. Potato plants expressing CP or Rep constructs of PLRV were not infected in the field or in the greenhouse with viruses that do not normally infect potato. New viruses or viruses with altered sedimentation characteristics, symptoms, or host range were not detected in field-exposed or greenhouse-inoculated potato plants expressing CP or Rep gene constructs of PLRV.