Grape Powdery Mildew Reduction

SUMMARY Spray-Induced Silencing of Grape Powdery Mildew Genes to Reduce Powdery Mildew Growth PI: Dr. Mary Wildermuth, University of California, Berkeley Senior researcher: Dr. Jyoti Taneja, University of California, Berkeley Powdery mildew is the dominant disease of grapevine. It infects all grape varietals and vines are typically treated 9-11 times over the growing season. Despite well-planned treatments, infection with powdery mildew can still occur and tolerance levels on grapes is very low. Many commonly used fungicides for powdery mildew control are becoming less effective as powdery mildews develop resistance and there is a demand for safer treatments. In this multi-year project, we are developing a novel biological powdery mildew control. The process or technology is called Spray Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS), where the RNAi molecules are designed to target powdery mildew genes that are essential for infection development and growth. Using endogenous RNAi machinery, the designed long double-stranded (ds) RNA is processed into multiple small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that result in cleavage of the powdery mildew target gene transcript and its degradation resulting in reduced powdery mildew growth and reproduction. In previous funding years, we developed and optimized the method for SIGS assay using CYP51 as target gene, which is a target for FRAC group-3 fungicides. Using our optimized multi-pronged method for selecting conserved powdery mildew genes likely to be critical to powdery mildew growth and reproduction, we screened numerous target genes for their ability to control powdery mildew when silenced using SIGS, and have filed a PCT patent application with >200 of predicted and tested targets. We developed two pathosystems – the Arabidopsis-G. orontii powdery mildew system for ease of use and the grapevine-E. necator powdery mildew system for commercial relevance. Effective SIGS targets identified in the Arabidopsis powdery mildew system were also effective in the grapevine powdery mildew system. Furthermore, effective SIGS targets identified in growth chamber/greenhouse studies with Arabidopsis and grapevine powdery mildew systems were also effective in limiting powdery mildew in vineyard trials (performed at 2 sites in 2021 growing season). Our results suggest SIGS treatment could be used as a replacement for systemic fungicides in mid-growing season. Furthermore, the SIGS treatment had no impact on canopy or berry development, or berry chemistry. In 2022, we performed i) pilot studies to assess the systemic action of our applied dsRNA, ii) developed protocols to isolate high quality RNA from grape leaves and berries for quantification of the applied dsRNA and derived siRNAs, iii) tested two formulations/delivery methods in lab and one in a pilot field test with a new commercial collaborator to ascertain whether the formulation/delivery methods would be suitable for use and able to increase efficacy of the dsRNA treatment in reducing powdery mildew proliferation, and iv) tested two new dsRNAs against novel powdery mildew targets.

Spray-Induced Silencing of Grape Powdery Mildew Genes to Reduce Powdery Mildew Growth

Powdery mildew is the dominant disease of grapevine. It infects all grape varietals and vines are typically treated 9-11 times over the growing season. Despite well-planned treatments, infection with powdery mildew can still occur and tolerance levels on grapes is very low. Many commonly used fungicides for powdery mildew control are becoming less effective as powdery mildews develop resistance and there is a demand for safer treatments. In this multi-year project we are developing a novel biological powdery mildew control. The process or technology is called Spray Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS), where the RNAi molecules are designed to target powdery mildew genes that are essential for infection development and growth. Using endogenous RNAi machinery, the designed long double-stranded (ds) RNA is processed into multiple small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that result in cleavage of the powdery mildew target gene transcript and its degradation resulting in reduced powdery mildew growth and reproduction. In previous funding years, we developed and optimized the method for SIGS assay using CYP51 as target gene, which is a target for FRAC group-3 fungicides. Using our optimized multi-pronged method for selecting conserved powdery mildew genes likely to be critical to powdery mildew growth and reproduction, we screened numerous target genes for their ability to control powdery mildew when silenced using SIGS, and have filed a provisional patent on >100 of these targets. We developed two pathosystems – the Arabidopsis-G. orontii powdery mildew system for ease of use and the grapevine-E. necator powdery mildew system for commercial relevance. Effective SIGS targets identified in the Arabidopsis powdery mildew system were also effective in the grapevine powdery mildew system. Furthermore, effective SIGS targets identified in growth chamber/greenhouse studies with Arabidopsis and grapevine powdery mildew systems were also effective in limiting powdery mildew in vineyard trials (performed 1 this year at 2 sites). Our results suggest SIGS treatment could be used as a replacement for systemic fungicides in mid-growing season. Furthermore, the SIGS treatment had no impact on canopy or berry development, or berry chemistry. In order to increase the efficacy of SIGS for powdery mildew control, we explored multiplexing different gene targets, predicted to act in the same or different functional processes. For the combinations and dosages tested, we have not seen further reduction in the effectiveness of treatment in controlling mildew infections. We are now focusing on testing the formulations/delivery of the dsRNA to enhance stability, uptake, and systemic action. Preliminary experiments confirm the predicted systemic action of topical dsRNA, with reduced powdery mildew proliferation in unsprayed distal tissue. Once we have a good formulation/delivery method in hand, we may reexamine multiplexing SIGS targets. Our 2022-23 proposal focuses on assessing formulation/delivery methods for efficacy and systemic action in the greenhouse and field.

Spray-Induced Silencing of Grape Powdery Mildew Genes to Reduce Powdery Mildew Growth

Powdery mildews are widespread pathogens of grapevine that are difficult to control. Resistance has emerged against all current fungicides and health consequences associated with extensive use of sulfur are beginning to surface. Therefore, the grape industry is in great need of new methods for limiting powdery mildew disease. The potential of spray induced gene silencing (SIGS) in agricultural pest control has been recently realized. The method is also useful in characterizing gene function. The efficiency of SIGS has been demonstrated to control the growth of viral, fungal, insect and nematode pathogens in several plant host species. With the first year of AVF funding support, we showed that SIGS can also be effective in silencing powdery mildew genes, resulting in reduced powdery mildew growth and reproduction. We optimized dsRNA design, application method, dosage, timing of application and powdery mildew growth assessment for testing of SIGS against gene targets in both Golovinomyces orontii-Arabidopsis and Erysiphe necator-grapevine systems. With the continued support of AVF in Year 2, we screened powdery mildew genes prioritized to impact metabolic and regulatory pathways critical to powdery mildew colonization, growth, and reproduction. All selected G. orontii target genes had homologs in E. necator and are conserved among powdery mildews. dsRNA against individual target genes were designed, applied exogenously and the growth of powdery mildew was quantified. We had a 60% success rate in identifying efficacious novel targets, with reductions in powdery mildew proliferation ranging from 2- to 5-fold compared to the controls. The initial screening of target genes was done using the Arabidopsis-powdery mildew system as it was faster than grapevine. We then selected 6 genes that had shown significant reduction in G. orontii growth on Arabidopsis via SIGS and tested them in grapevine-powdery mildew system. SIGS against each of these six E. necator genes showed significant and reproducible reduction in powdery mildew growth and reproduction on grapevine. This year (Year 3),we refined our target prediction pipeline using multidimensional bioinformatic and modeling. Fifteen out of 16 novel gene targets tested, identified using this pipeline, showed significant reduction in powdery mildew growth in G. orontii-Arabidopsis system that increased our success rate of target prediction to 94% from 60% in the previous year. Five new grapevine powdery mildew genes were tested via SIGS and all of them successfully reduced powdery mildew infection. We are currently testing the effects of multiplexing SIGS 2 targets for further increase in SIGS effectiveness in controlling disease. Through the NSF-funded i-Corps customer discovery program, and interviews with 100 grapevine industry personnel, we learned of the needs and specific requirements for new powdery mildew control products. It appears our RNAi-based biopesticide has the potential to meet these needs. dsRNAs are biodegradable, flexible, and specific, with reduced negative environmental and health impacts compared with existing fungicides giving them excellent potential as future powdery mildew disease mitigation agents. We are optimizing this technology for effective powdery mildew control in the field, while testing new targets and multiplexing already tested targets. We completed one vineyard field trial in the 2020 growing season with Dr. Akif Eskalen and are conducting field tests at two locations this coming 2021 growing season.

Spray-Induced Silencing of Grape Powdery Mildew Genes to Reduce Powdery Mildew Growth

Powdery mildews are widespread pathogens of grapevine that are difficult to control. Resistance has emerged against all current fungicides and health consequences associated with extensive use of sulfur are beginning to surface. Therefore, the grape industry is in great need of new methods of limiting powdery mildew disease. The potential of spray induced gene silencing (SIGS) in agricultural pest control has been recently realized. The method is also useful in characterizing gene function. The efficiency of SIGS has been demonstrated to control the growth of Fusarium in barley and Botrytis in several plant host species. With the first year of AVF funding support, we showed that SIGS can also be effective in silencing powdery mildew genes, resulting in reduced powdery mildew growth and reproduction. We optimized dsRNA design, application method, dosage, timing of application and powdery mildew growth assessment for testing of SIGS against powdery mildew target genes in both powdery mildew G. orontii -Arabidopsis and powdery mildew E. necator-grapevine systems. With the continued support of AVF in Year 2, we screened powdery mildew genes prioritized to impact metabolic and regulatory pathways critical to powdery mildew colonization, growth, and reproduction. All selected G. orontii target genes had homologs in E. necator and are conserved among powdery mildews. dsRNA against individual target genes were designed, applied exogenously and the growth of powdery mildew was quantified. We had a 60% success rate in identifying efficacious novel targets, with reductions in powdery mildew proliferation ranging from 2- to 5-fold compared to the controls. The initial screening of target genes was done using the Arabidopsis-powdery mildew system as it was faster than grapevine. We then selected 6 genes that showed significant reduction in G. orontii growth on Arabidopsis via SIGS and tested them using the grapevine system. SIGS against each of these six E. necator genes showed significant reduction in powdery mildew growth and reproduction on grapevine. This growing season, we are testing SIGS against two genes that showed maximum reduction in powdery mildew growth on grapevine in research field trials, performed with the assistance of cooperator UCCE viticulture advisor George Zhuang. dsRNAs are biodegradable, flexible, and specific, with reduced negative environmental and health impacts compared with existing fungicides giving them excellent potential as future powdery mildew disease mitigation agents. Introduction of this research to vineyard managers, growers, owners and other stakeholders at the UC Davis Continuing and Professional Education course ‘Current Wine and Winegrape Research’, held in February 2019, and the ‘8th Annual Vineyards & Wineries Continuing Education Class Series’ organized by Napa County Farm Bureau Foundation and the Ag Commissioner’s Office in November 2019 was well received, and productive discussions ensued. We have successfully developed the methodology to identify novel powdery mildew targets that when silenced reduce powdery mildew disease of grapevine and are translating and testing this approach in the vineyard in a highly timely manner.

Persistence of Fungicide Resistance in Grape Powdery Mildew

The fitness of Erysiphe necator resistant to QoI/FRAC 11 fungicides was examined in terms of growth under various environmental stresses and overwintering survival and persistence. Eight Oregon E. necator isolates from the 2017 growing season were used. Four isolates were G143A mutants/QoI resistant and four were wild type/QoI sensitive, with two isolates each of MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 mating types. To analyze fitness under stress, a series of experiments were run where isolates were exposed to 10-32oC and germination, generation time, and mating were measured. The G143A mutant isolates had significantly greater germination at 14oC while all other temperatures had similar germination and growth. These results suggest that there may be a higher probability of G143A mutants infecting grapes in the early season and that QoIs should not be used during the early spring. The interaction of temperature and UVA and UVB radiative stress was examined, with results currently inconclusive as to whether there is a growth difference between wild type and G143A isolates. The same isolates were used in mating studies. Resulting chasmothecia have not fully matured and are still being observed. Previously designed real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) primers for mating types were modified and optimized and determined to be poor at identifying mating type ratios in mixed samples. A digital droplet PCR was developed to quantify mating type ratios in mature chasmothecia, and will be used for future mating type analysis. Leaf swab samples were collected over 2018 and 2019 from 11 commercial vineyards untreated with QoIs. Samples showed increased G143A frequency from May to September. Chasmothecia sampling showed decreased G143A frequency in spring, suggesting fitness costs associated with overwintering.

Assessing Fungicide Resistance of grape powdery mildew in Wine, Table and Raisin Grapes

The 2018 assessment campaign processed >3000 samples from the Western US grape production
regions. Analysis of these ToughSpot samples for resistance to quinone outside inhibitor (QoI)
fungicides (FRAC Group 11) using the G143A qPCR assay indicated there is still widespread
resistance throughout Western grape production regions (71% samples with the G143A) but that
resistance is decreasing. Examination of samples from the Willamette Valley of Oregon indicates
that when growers rotate away from using QoI and DMI, the G143A allele occurrence significantly
decreases in the population (31% with G143A). These results were confirmed when isolate and
field sample DNA underwent genotyping by sequencing analysis of the cytb gene. These results
are similar to the QoI resistance observed throughout Oregon in 2015 and 2016. Analysis of these
samples using various molecular techniques and fungicide resistance bioassays to determine
resistance to demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicides (FRAC group 3) and succinate
dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) fungicides (FRAC group 7) is ongoing. We have identified 7 E.
necator isolates that are resistant to at least one SDHI fungicide with only one isolate resistant to
more than one SDHI. Sequencing results indicate only one isolate has a known genetic mutation,
thus further sequencing is required. The Y136F qPCR assay for DMI resistance readily detects
the Y136F mutation associated with DMI resistance and can be used to determine DMI resistance
in single spore isolates. Its use on field samples is difficult to interpret because of the multiple
genotypes associated with DMI resistance. A leaf sample collection method was developed that
decreases sample collection and processing time by 40% and is cheaper to process. In addition, a
bark sampling method was developed that agrees with early spring G143A frequency, thus
allowing growers to assess their risk to QoI resistance during the dormant season. Both assays
will be made available to the industry in 2019. Using this project and Oregon Wine board funding
as a foundation for demonstrating grower support, we obtained funding from USDA-SCRI
program to significantly expand research efforts to develop regional networks for managing and
mitigating fungicide resistance.

Assessing Fungicide Resistance of Grape Powdery Mildew in Wine, Table and Raisin Grapes

Throughout 2017, a field scouting campaign that covered Central and Northern California, Western Oregon, and Southern Washington yielded over 850 field samples and 64 isolates of Erysiphe necator. Analysis of these samples for resistance to quinone outside inhibitor (QoI) fungicides (FRAC Group 11) using the G143A qPCR assay indicated widespread resistance throughout all grape growing regions scouted (90% resistance among ToughSpot kit samples). These results were confirmed when isolate and field sample DNA underwent genotyping by sequencing analysis of the cytb gene. These results are similar to the QoI resistance observed throughout Oregon in 2015 and 2016. Analysis of these samples using various molecular techniques and fungicide resistance bioassays to determine resistance to demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicides (FRAC group 3) and succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI) fungicides (FRAC group 7) is ongoing. A qPCR assay was developed to target a point mutation (Y136F) of the CYP51 gene that is a contributing factor to DMI resistance in E. necator; the mutation is present in 79.1% of tested 2017 samples (n=43). Analysis by sequencing of the SDHI gene complex has yielded 5 point mutations within two of the subunits in the SDH complex. Two of those mutations induce amino acid changes in their respective proteins and are being analyzed for potential contribution to SDHI resistance.

Durable Powdery Mildew Disease Resistance in Vitis Vinifera: Proof-of-Function and Discovery of Genetic Variation

For the past sixty years, mlo resistance to barley powdery mildew has remained durable and is now incorporated into over 50%of the European barley acreage. Related mlo genes in Arabidopsis, peach, pea, and tomato have recently been discovered and also confer resistance to powdery mildew via the same penetration resistance mechanism. Previously, we identified four strong candidates for mlo resistance in grapevine. To determine whether this gene could confer durable resistance in grapevine, we are pursuing a transgenic gene silencing approach. In 2009, we designed, cloned and confirmed 17 new artificial microRNA (amiRNA) silencing constructs. In 2010, we initiated a collaboration with Dr. Bruce Reisch to develop stably transformed Chardonnay grapevines. Plans are to silence four VvMlo candidate resistance genes individually, in pairs, and all at once in a thorough effort to confirm resistance gene function. In addition, we implemented a similar strategy to silence two candidates for a second resistance gene from Arabidopsis, Pmr6, individually and in pairs. Typical results for biolistic transformation experiments yielded hundreds of transiently-transformed Chardonnay cells per Petri dish. To-date we have regenerated a total of 58 transgenic plants that are ready for functional characterization and have over 600 total embryos after selection that may germinate for transfer to plant growth medium. While the transgenic assays described above could efficiently result in the development of transgenic V. vinifera cultivars with powdery mildew resistance, the information obtained could also be harnessed to identify V. vinifera breeding germplasm with previously undetected resistance alleles.

Revising the Gubler-Thomas Model for Powdery Mildew – Adding a Revised High Temperature Threshold, Varietal Susceptibility, and Expanding Public Access

The Gubler Thomas (GT) risk assessment model is a powerful tool that has been used to successfully control grape powdery mildew throughout California, as well as many other grape growing regions of the world. Proper use of the model has significantly reduced the number of fungicide applications significantly in most years while maintaining thorough disease control. Powdery mildew, caused by the fungus Erysiphe necator, can quickly spread throughout a vineyard. Controlling and reducing powdery mildew in grape crops can lead to higher yields and quality in subsequent grapes and wine. In California, powdery mildew germination, growth and reproduction is largely dependent on temperature. If the temperature remains above the pathogens optimal range for too long, the pathogens growth is inhibited. In previous years, our lab has shown that the pathogen can survive higher temperatures than previously thought (Backup, 2009). This led us to begin field trials testing whether a new high temperature threshold could be successfully incorporated into the model, with the goal of reducing fungicide sprays and improving disease control. We report here our finding on our second year of field trials and our continuing efforts in the laboratory to better understand the effects of heat, including a continuing study of the effects of multiple consecutive exposures to lethal and sub-lethal temperatures. In the last two years, we created two field trials that integrated our controlled environment laboratory studies with a vineyard and fungicide application regiment. These field sites were developed to test alternate high temperature thresholds for the GT model. In response to last years data, we have increased the duration that the pathogen must be exposed to 34?C, the lowest high temperature threshold. In addition, we have also included this year a new high temperature threshold modified by a cooperator in Oregon. All of the experimental high temperature models showed significant control in one of our vineyards, although none of the new models were significantly different from the original GT model. Our other vineyard had significantly greater disease pressure. All of the experimental models performed just as well in reducing disease incidence and severity compared to the GT original model. In the 2010 growing season, the unusual mild weather at our field sites made it difficult to test alterations to the high temperature threshold. The alternate models did not differ from one another in their subsequent fungicide spray schedules until the end of the season. Without higher temperatures, it is challenging to distinguish between these alterations. As part of the Western Weather Work Group (http://uspest.org/wea/index.html), we are collaborating with public and private scientists to help control disease in the western US by providing access to real time, virtual and forecasted weather data. We have completed 2 years of field data, and we are adjusting how the GT index accounts for observed delay in fungal growth. These modifications will ultimately be used to assist both public and private end users of the GT model.

A Microbiome-Based Approach to the Management of Grape Powdery Mildew

This report describes the progress we made during the first year of a two-year project that aims to describe the microbial communities (?microbiomes?) that are naturally associated with grape leaves and berries in vineyards. We are interested in these communities because we think they contain strains of bacteria, fungi and/or yeast that can be exploited to delay or predict the establishment in the vineyard of the fungal pathogen Erysiphe necator, which causes grape powdery mildew. Such strains are relevant to grape growers, because they can be incorporated into existing management practices or forecast models for powdery mildew in an effort to reduce the use of fungicides. To identify said strains, we are using a novel DNA-based method called pyrosequencing that is superior over older methods in revealing the identity and relative abundance of members that make up these microbial communities. So far, we have collected over 350 leaf and berry samples from 7 different vineyards in 2 states (California and Oregon), from 5 different clones of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and from 6 different stages of grape growth, ranging from flowering to harvest. This large number of samples is necessary to increase our chances of being able to pick out, from the huge number of microorganisms that are naturally present on grape leaves and berries, those that show a negative or positive correlation with the occurrence of E. necator and thus have true potential as challengers or foretellers of the establishment of this fungus in the vineyard. From the surfaces of all leaves and berries we collected, we have isolated bacteria, fungi, and yeasts and have quantified their abundances. We also extracted their DNA for pyrosequencing analysis which is currently underway. A preliminary analysis of a subset of DNA samples provided us with an early view into the bacterial diversity that is associated with Chardonnay leaves and berries. Clear from this analysis is the fact that leaves and berries differ in the types of bacteria that they carry on their surfaces. Does this difference correlate with levels of E. necator on the same leaves and berries? If so, what bacterial types underlie this difference, and can they be used for our purpose? These are some questions that will be addressed in the second year of the project. Our preliminary data set from the first year is the start of a database that will grow during the course of the second year into a depository of DNA-based information which we can use to identify strains with protective or predictive value against grape powdery mildew. The long-term goal of this research is to present grape growers with ?microbiome?-based options for management decisions relating to disease in their vineyards and quality of their product.