Uptake of RNAi precursors by Setaria leaves after exogenous application

Abstract

In this Project the master fellow will evaluate the uptake of RNAi precursors inplants of Setaria italica and Setaria viridis. Both species are C4 grasses and theircultivation is well stablished in our laboratory. The project includes the use of fumarasegene as a marker to evaluate the effects of exogenous application of RNAi precursors.Results obtained from the Young Researcher Project 1 support the idea that fumarasedecrease the growth rates in Setaria. Thus, our hypothesis is that the application of thefumarase RNAi precursors could, transiently, result in a similar phenotype, whichwould allow us to use the approach as a more environment-friendly herbicide. Thedelivery of the RNAi precursors to the leaves is a great challenge. Therefore, adjuvants, will be tested together with the RNAi precursors in orderto facilitate the uptake by the leaves.