The article used for this study is “Effects of a genetically modified potato on a non-target aphid are outweighed by cultivar differences.” This article is essential for the topic under discussion based on its in-depth research on the effects of Aphids (Myzus persicae) and R genes insertions into different potato varieties. Three different types of potatoes were used to investigate how the modified gene affected aphid development in first and second generations. The article also considered the ecological effects of gene alteration in the potato.
The main aim of the article was to investigate the characteristics of a genetically modified potato that may affect the performance of aphids (Myzus persicae). Jenny et al. (2017) reports that aphid effects in the potato was limited by the specific position of the resistance genes, the number of resistance genes inserted into the potatoes and the presence of antibiotic resistance marker gene. The research established that most potato cultivars were vulnerable to late blight often caused by pathogen Phytophthora infestans (Lazebnik, Arpaia, & Baldacchino, 2017). Aphid intrinsic effect rate was found to be higher in the non-transformed Desiree plants, which had not received the modified resistance genes in the first generation. The rate of increase in aphid effects reduced in the second generation once the genes were injected into the Desiree plants.
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The gene of interest in this study is the R genes, which help in developing disease resistance against pathogens in plants by producing the R proteins. The R1 gene belongs to the family of disease resisting genes that have a leucine zipper motif necessary for the resistance of late blight in potatoes. The gene was inserted into three different varieties of potatoes to identify its effects on aphid resistance before modification and after modification (Lazebnik et al, 2017). The intended result was to identify the effects of late blight caused by Aphids on the GM potato once the R gene had been inserted.
Agrobacterium tumefaciens used for the purposes of the study affects the host’s immunity by mimicking protein functions and impedes the plant defenses by altering hormone levels. The GM specimen used in the study was created from Agrobacterium tumefaciens that edited the transfer of the R genes (Rpi-vnt1) by acting as gene markers (Lazebnik et al., 2017). The bacteria has been used successfully to benefit the biotechnology research by transferring its tumor-inducing and hormone altering abilities to the compatible host cells, which in turn gain more immunity against aphid attacks.
The main advantage in the study was the effectiveness of incorporating aphids into the research model (Lazebnik et al., 2017). They are considered efficient organisms for understanding epigenetic effects of pathogens in plants. The rapid formation of winged offspring is also essential in understanding the rate of increase based on application of the R gene. The main disadvantage was the reduced rates of survival for the aphid based on interaction with certain factors.
According to Yi and Gray (2020), research indicates that aphids are the most destructive pests on potatoes in temperate regions. Aphids feeding on potato plants will activate the hosts’ defenses such as production of jasmonate acid. As a counteractive mechanism, the aphids suppress the plant defense responses by manipulating host response through inhibiting host morphology (Yi & Gray, 2020). This research agrees with the findings obtained in the first article. Application of GM R genes inhibits aphid performance by preventing the highlighted counteractive measures.
The destructive nature of aphids has led to increased losses in potato yields in my locality. Late blight has been identified as the most destructive disease in worldwide cultivation of potatoes (Ballvora et al., 2020). The food industry raging from fast food restaurants to snack industries, widely rely on potato produce. Reduced yields lead to lower income, which affects family sustainability and ability to keep children in school. However, from recent modification of the R genes in potatoes, this issue can soon be eradicated, promising better plant survival.
References
Lazebnik, J., Arpaia, S., & Baldacchino, F. (2017). Effects of a genetically modified potato on a non-target aphid are outweighed by cultivar differences. Journal of Pest Science , 855–864. doi: 10.1007/s10340-017-0831-6
Yi, X., & Gray, S. (2020). Aphids and their transmitted potato viruses: A continuous challenges. Journal of Integrative Agriculture , 19(2), 367–375. doi: 10.1016/S2095-3119(19)62842-X
Ballvora, A., Weiss, E., & M. B. (2020). The R1 gene for potato resistance to late blight (Phytophthora infestans) belongs to the leucine zipper/NBS/LRR class of plant resistance genes. The Plant Journal: for cell and molecular biology , 71. doi:10.1046/j.1365-313x.2001.01292.x
