Tolerance of trichothecene mycotoxins in plants through the modification of the ribosomal protein l3 gene

Abstract

is a plant pathogen, attacking a wide range of plant species including corn (ear and stalk rot), barley, and wheat (head blight).epidemics result in millions of dollars of losses in crop revenues.infection in the cereals reduces both grain yield and quality. Mycotoxins are produced by many fungalspecies and thus the grain becomes contaminated with these mycotoxins, such as the trichothecenes. The major trichothecene produced byis deoxynivalenol (abbreviated as DON, also known as vomitoxin). Trichothecenes are potent protein synthesis inhibitors and are quite toxic to humans and livestock. A yeast gene has been identified which confers upon yeast tolerant of the trichothecene, trichodermin. A corresponding plant gene has been prepared, which has been used to transform plants. These transformed plants have an increased resistance toinfestation.