Genetic Transformation of Tomato with Enhanced Resistance against Fusarium Wilt Using Mulberry Chitinase Gene

Abstract

Mubarak Ali Anjum*, Muhammad Ashfaq*, Usman Arif, Muhammad Tariq, Farah Naz, Rabiah Ashraf, Abdul Munim Farooq, Muhammad Ali, Saleem Haider, Muhammad Atif and Qurban Ali

Different strategies have been adopted to control diseases in tomato crops caused by various fungal pathogens. These are cultural, biological, chemical and biotechnological approach. Recently biotechnological approach is gaining attention as suitable control measures for disease resistance. Gene transformation in the plant to improve resistance is effective measures. Chitinase genes effectively increase resistance in plants against fungal pathogens and insects. In this study a chitinase gene MnChi10 from mulberry (Morus notabilis) tree was isolated, characterized, amplified and transformed into tomato plant for effective control of Fusarium wilt disease. Chitinase MnChi10 gene showed homology with family 19 of glycosyl hydrolyses. Furthermore, the MnChi10 gene was transformed and expressed in tomato plants through a modified Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. Transformed tomato plants showed higher chitinase activity than control plants, as well as better growth and increased resistance against Fusarium wilt disease. It was observed that transformed plants suppressed fungal growth and continued to thrive even under heavy fungal infestation. It is concluded that chitinase gene MnChi10 showed promising results in resistance against Fusarium wilts. These tomato plants, in future, may be used as resistant variety for commercial growing.