Molecular Pathogens 2024, Vol.15, No.1, 40-49 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mp 45 and oomycete pathogens. For example, transgenic constructs expressing genes that limit pathogen growth or silence plant susceptibility genes have been optimized and applied to Vitis species, significantly reducing their susceptibility to diseases such as downy mildew, powdery mildew, and grey mold (Capriotti et al., 2020). The use of Agrobacterium-mediated transformation has been a common method for introducing these transgenes into grapevine, providing a robust platform for developing disease-resistant cultivars. 7.3 RNA interference (RNAi) RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful tool for silencing specific genes involved in disease susceptibility or pathogen virulence. In grapevine breeding, RNAi has been employed to downregulate genes that act as virulence effectors in pathogens, thereby enhancing the plant's defense mechanisms. This biotechnological approach has shown promise in controlling fungal and oomycete diseases by targeting and silencing critical genes in the pathogens, thus preventing their proliferation and reducing disease incidence (Figure 2) (Capriotti et al., 2020). The application of RNAi technology in grapevine breeding programs represents a complementary strategy to traditional breeding and other biotechnological methods, offering a holistic approach to disease management. Figure 2 RNAi machinery (Adopted from Capriotti et al., 2020) Image caption: In addition to trans/cisgenesis methods, the expression of RNAi gene constructs in the plant, the exogenous applications of double strand RNA (dsRNA) molecules targeting host/pathogen genes, or plant genome editing, represent valid alternatives to enhance plant immunity during pathogenesis (Adopted from Capriotti et al., 2020)
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