Abstract
Lectins are ubiquitous in nature and one of the most important secondary metabolites in plants. They are heterogeneous class of proteins that bind specifically and reversibly to carbohydrates and are used as a defence tool against various abiotic and biotic stresses. In this study, we describe generation of transgenic Brassica juncea plants over-expressing chickpea lectin in conferring fungal resistance. In addition, the transgenic plants also showed resistance against salinity (NaCl) and mannitol induced drought stress. The stable integration and transcript expression of the transgene was confirmed by southern blot and RT-PCR analysis in the transgenic plants. The transgenic lines were evaluated for resistance against Alternaria brassicae as assessed by the number and size of lesions and time taken for leaf necrosis, the Alternaria infection was delayed and restricted in the transgenic plants with the protection varying from 36-60% in different transgenic lines compared to the Untransformed Control (UC) plants. In addition, the transgenic Brassica juncea plants also showed tolerance against high salinity and drought stress. The Expression of lectin gene imparts greater water retention capacity, higher proline content and more chlorophyll retention with less membrane damage and reduction in electrolyte leakage in the transgenic plants compared to UC. Together, these findings suggest the potential use of chickpea lectin gene to engineer the crop plants for broad spectrum biotic and abiotic stress tolerance to improve crop productivity.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.