Why in the News?
Recently, a team of scientists from Germany reported a breakthrough in combating the cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) through an innovative RNA-based antiviral agent.
About Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV):
- CMV is one of the most widespread and destructive plant viruses, affecting over 1,200 plant species, including important food crops such as cucumbers, melons, and cereals.
- The virus is transmitted by aphids, tiny insects that spread the virus as they feed on plants, making outbreaks difficult to control.
- In India, CMV causes significant yield losses in crops like bananas, pumpkins, and cucumbers, leading to mosaic discoloration, stunted growth, and unviable fruits.
- The economic impact of CMV includes both direct financial losses from reduced crop yields and the indirect costs of pest management.
RNA Silencing Methods discussed (HIGS vs SIGS):
RNA silencing is a natural defense mechanism that plants use to protect themselves from viral infections.
Two RNA-based technologies, Host-Induced Gene Silencing (HIGS) and Spray-Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS), have been developed to enhance plant immunity against diseases like CMV.
[1] Host-Induced Gene Silencing (HIGS):
- HIGS involves genetically modifying plants to produce dsRNA, which activates the plant’s immune system to fight off the virus.
- This method provides continuous protection and long-term immunity throughout the plant’s lifecycle.
- However, it faces challenges such as regulatory issues, high production costs, and the potential for viruses to evolve resistance over time.
[2] Spray-Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS):
- SIGS, unlike HIGS, does not require genetic modification. Instead, plants are treated with RNA sprays containing dsRNA that targets specific viruses.
- This method is cost-effective, non-GMO, and can be applied to a variety of crops.
- However, SIGS provides short-term protection, may be ineffective due to random RNA mixtures, and its effectiveness can be reduced by environmental factors such as sunlight, rain, and soil microbes.
| [UPSC 2019] RNA interference (RNAi)’ technology has gained popularity in the last few years. Why?
1. It is used in developing gene silencing therapies. 2. It can be used in developing therapies for-the treatment of cancer. 3. It can be used to develop hormone replacement therapies. 4. It can be used to produce crop plants that are resistant to viral pathogens. Select the correct answer using the code given below: Options: (a) 1, 2 and 4* (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1 and 4 only |
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