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Poster

Session: Session 1 Presenting Authors at Posters (Odds)

P-329 - Optimizing dsRNA-Based Strategies for Controlling Downy Mildew in Pea

Monday, July 14, 2025
13:30 - 15:15  
Location: Confex Hall 3
RNA on the move: Advances in Cross-Species communiation &Translational Research

    Presenting Author(s)

  • GU

    Gizem Unal

    University of Worcester
    WORCESTER, England, United Kingdom

    • Author(s)

  • DG

    Deniz Göl

    Post Doc
    University of Worcester
    Worcester, England, United Kingdom

  • EO

    Emeka Okechukwu

    Post Doc
    University of Birmingham
    Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

  • AW

    Anne Webb

    Post Doc
    NIAB
    Cambridge, England, United Kingdom

  • TW

    Tom Woods

    Dr
    NIAB
    Cambridge, England, United Kingdom

  • YH

    Yiguo Hong

    Professor
    University of Worcester
    Worcester, England, United Kingdom

  • SS

    Sherif Sherif

    Dr
    Virginia Agricultural Research and Extension Centers
    Blacksburg, Virginia, United States

  • MT

    Mahmut Tör

    Professor
    University of Worcester
    Worcester, England, United Kingdom

Downy mildew, caused by Peronospora viciae f. sp. pisi (Pvp), poses a significant threat to pea (Pisum sativum) production, leading to severe yield losses. Traditional fungicide-based control raises concerns about sustainability and resistance. Exogenous double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) application offers a promising alternative via RNA interference (RNAi). This study aimed to optimize dsRNA-based approaches for controlling Pvp by selecting and validating key gene targets. Using insights from Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis (Hpa)-Arabidopsis interactions, we identified 28 candidate Pvp genes and tested their roles in pathogen development using short synthesized dsRNAs (SS-dsRNAs). Genes like Cellulose Synthase 3 (CesA3) were further analysed using longer in vitro-produced dsRNAs, which significantly reduced Pvp spore germination and disease progression both in vitro and in planta. Furthermore, small RNA (sRNA) sequencing revealed bidirectional cross-kingdom RNA interactions between pea plant and Pvp. We identified three Pvp genes targeted by pea-derived sRNAs and two Pvp genes encoding sRNAs that regulate pea gene expression. Targeting these five genes with SS-dsRNAs completely inhibited Pvp infection in pea plants. These findings highlight the Spray-Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS) as a scalable, eco-friendly strategy for downy mildew control in pea and provide a framework for optimizing dsRNA applications by refining target selection and delivery methods for enhanced efficacy.