Research Scientist University of Florida Gainesville, FL, USA
Bacterial blight (BB), caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), is an important disease in global rice production. Management of BB through genetic resistance represents an effective strategy. Enhanced management involves the characterization of major Transcription Activator-Like Effectors (TALes) genes in the extant Xoo populations, which target the critical host disease susceptibility genes known as SWEET genes. Robust sequencing and editing of bacterial and rice genomes facilitate the prediction and engineering of broad resistance traits through a variety of genome editing strategies to elite rice lines or local verities. Here, we outline a global project that has implemented a multidisciplinary approach, integrating plant genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, and plant breeding to develop elite edited rice varieties (for example, IR64 and Ciherang) with resistance to bacterial blight. In the process, novel TAL effectors were identified. The project includes a robust sequencing pipeline designed to detect potential vector integration events and precisely quantify SNPs and indels, ensuring accurate editing while identifying any unintended off-target alterations. Our comprehensive approach enables detailed characterization of pathogenic Xoo strains, precise genome editing of rice, and rigorous evaluation of edited rice lines, and stacking of other effective resistance genes for bacterial blight. This strategy advances durable bacterial blight resistance by integrating informed breeding techniques and advanced genome editing methodologies.
