May 30, 2002

Novel genetic work in Western Australia could abolish the yield suppressing impact of Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) from almost 200 commercially important plant species.

Using science similar to human vaccination, the Centre for Legumes in Mediterranean Agriculture (CLIMA) at the University of WA is using the CMV’s own genes to engineer resistance in legume crops.

CMV threatens several grain legumes, including WA’s one million hectare lupin crop and the high value $450 per tonne chickpea crop, which, when infected, incurs up to a 70 per cent dip in seed production, a 76 per cent drop in seed weight and reduced seed quality.

Among 190 CMV susceptible commercial plant species are numerous high value horticultural crops, giving CLIMA’s new technology wider application potential.

The introduced gene is expressed in a hairpin-like shape. Having effectively folded back on itself, it is de-activated by the plant.

"This means it educates the lupin to recognise the virus and destroy it," explained Murdoch University’s Steve Wylie, a senior scientist with CLIMA’s Pulse Biotechnology Program

"There are natural cases of plants in the field recovering from viruses, where the leaves exposed to the virus can’t be re-infected. This is what inspired our approach."

CLIMA continues to research transgenic approaches to improve lupin quality.

Many of the qualities and resistances required to build lupin’s profitability don’t exist within the lupin family, which means Dr Wylie is looking beyond the lupin gene pool to aid the development of superior varieties.

Genes from Macadamia nuts are being introduced to help counter fungal pathogens, while sunflower genes have been used to stabilise lupin proteins for better digestion, which has boosted live weight and wool growth by eight per cent in trials with sheep.

One challenge facing CLIMA’s transgenic program is the minefield of intellectual property (IP) restrictions, which can slow progress. For example, some licensed genes may be used for research and development, but not in commercial varieties.

"CLIMA’s technology must therefore be a step ahead of what our contemporaries are using, if we are to release new varieties," Dr Wylie said.

"And, with our Grains Research & Development Corporation funding contingent on commercialisation, our team is very motivated to drive local innovation, which means WA will profit from the development of its own licensed technology."