Genetic transformation with untranslatable coat protein gene of sugarcane yellow leaf virus reduces virus titers in sugarcane.

Sugarcane yellow leaf syndrome, characterized by a yellowing of the leaf midrib followed by leaf necrosis and growth suppression, is caused by sugarcane yellow leaf virus (SCYLV). We produced SCYLV-resistant transgenic sugarcane from a susceptible cultivar (H62-4671) and determined the amount of virus present following inoculation. The transgenic plants were produced through biolistic bombardment of cell cultures with an untranslatable coat protein gene. Presence of the transgene in regenerated plants was confirmed using PCR and Southern blot analysis. The transgenic lines were inoculated by viruliferous aphids and the level of SCYLV in the plants was determined. Six out of nine transgenic lines had at least 10(3)-fold lower virus titer than the non-transformed, susceptible parent line. This resistance level, as measured by virus titer and symptom development, was similar to that of a resistant cultivar (H78-4153). The selected SCYLV-resistant transgenic sugarcane lines will be available for integration of the resistance gene into other commercial cultivars and for quantification of viral effects on yield.