Background/context:

Many important pathogens of grain and other crops are difficult to control because of a lack of natural resistance in the germplasm pool. An alternative approach is genetic modification to express antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in transgenic plants. Potentially this may provide protection to a range of pathogens. This requires the discovery and development of AMPs that are effective in pathogen control and meet biosafety requirements for release.

 Aim:

This project aimed to: 

• Develop procedures for large scale production of AMPs and test against target pathogens & pests, and for mammalian toxicology 
• Test at laboratory, glasshouse and field levels whether the AMP technology can provide effective protection against pathogens 
• Develop second-generation AMP technologies, including new and/or improved peptides

Major Outcomes:

Large-scale production of AMPs was successful and AMPs active against important commercial targets were identified. Toxicology tests were undertaken and some benign AMPs were identified. New active AMP variants were identified. Glasshouse tests of canola plants expressing AMPs show an increased resistance to the Blackleg pathogen. The hesitancy of the Australian marketplace to accept food containing genetically modified components means that the AMP technology will not be readily exploited in this country. However, the French company Biogemma has rights to the technology and may progress with it as it sees fit.

For more information contact:

Dr John Manners
CSIRO Plant Industry
Phone: +61 (0)7 3214 2304
Email:  john.manners@csiro.au