Transferred genes light up the prospects of keeping agricultural trouble-makers in control
IMAGINE a vast expanse of agricultural
field interspersed with luminous
patches. In the not too distant future,
this vision will no longer be left to
the imagination, but could become
a reality.
Scientists at UK's Oxford University
and the University of Wales have succeeded in developing a unique early
warning system for tackling agricultural disasters.
They have transferred
genes from luminescent
jellyfish to tobacco plants.
These genes carry proteins
- called apoacquarin -
which emit light under
stress (for instance, in an
attack by a pest or in an
outbreak of a disease)
enabling the plants to
glow. In three years' time,
the researchers hope to
about the
level of
luminescence in a plant as is present in a
glow-worm.
Fungal infections cause plants to
undergo internal stress several weeks
before the physical appearance of a disease. If they are carrying the appropriate
jellyfish genes, the plants light up at the
slightest hint of stress.
This early warning system could
help the farmer take adequate steps and
measures to forestall damage to his
fields. The genetically tre
would be present in a ratio of I to 1,000
in seed bags supplied to farmers. The
luminous patches would be visible at
night, or could be detected with the help
of remote sensing equipment.
At present the light is bluish, but it
could be adapted in future
ff the plants are
carry4rig the
appropriate
jeflyfish genes.
theY light UP and
glow at the
slightest hint
of stress same get
to green or red.
According to the scientists, plants could be
engineered to respond to
specific stress conditions.
For instance, they could
start glowing when they
need to be watered. Other
plants could be engineered
to respond to a slight
touch or a person's breath
on them.
In another research,
Bill Cockburn and colleagues at Leicester University have
successfully transferred genes for
antibodies against human diseases to
experimental tobacco and potato
plants. Cockburn reasons that antibody-containing plants could replace
oral treatments. Bacterial tooth
decay has been targeted for this form of
treatment.
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