ThKEL1: Mycorrhization of Canola/oilseed rape

Tech ID: 21.686

Key Features

  • The Trichoderma harzianum Kelch Protein (ThKEL1) plays a key role in root colonization
  • Overexpression of ThKEL1 in Brassica plants enables mycorrhization and dramatically improves yield

Description

Carlos Nicolás and colleagues at the Department of Botany and Plant Physiology, Spanish-Portuguese Institute for Agricultural Research (CIALE), University of Salamanca previously isolated and characterized the Thkel1 gene from T. harzianum and observed that this gene codes for a protein which showed similarity to plant nitrile-specifier proteins (NSPs) and epithiospecifier proteins (ESPs), which when interacting with myrosinases convert glucosinolates to both simple nitriles and epithionitriles. The inventors have now demonstrated that Brassica plants genetically modified to express the ThKEL1 protein can form mycorrhizal structures.

For further detailed information please download the non-confidential summary pdf.

Patents

Published: WO2021/093942

References

Poveda, Jore et al (2019).  The Trichoderma harzianum Kelch Protein ThKEL1 Plays a Key Role in Root Colonization and the Induction of Systemic Defense in Brassicaceae Plants.  Frontiers in Plant Science; 10: Article 1478.

Contact: Dr Lars von Borcke

Inventors
Carlos Nicolás
University of Salamanca (Salamanca, Spain)