Xa48 gene discovery enables disease-resistant rice breeding
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- Prof. He Zuhua's team cloned the broad-spectrum bacterial blight resistance gene Xa48 from the indica rice variety Shuangkezao, identifying it as an NLR receptor protein that directly recognizes the pathogen effector XopG
- Prof. Chen Gongyou's team and Prof. Deng Yiwen's team contributed to elucidating the molecular mechanism by which XA48 triggers immune responses through degradation of the immune suppressor OsVOZ1/2
- Researchers discovered that Xa48 is present only in indica rice due to a reproductive penalty in japonica varieties carrying OsVOZ1A, explaining its geographic distribution in Southeast Asia where bacterial blight is prevalent
- The study established a dual-pathway immune platform combining pattern-triggered immunity (RaxX-XA21) and effector-triggered immunity (AvrXa48-XA48) to enhance synergistic disease resistance
- Scientists reconstituted broad-spectrum resistance from wild rice into modern varieties, offering a new strategy for sustainable control of bacterial blight without compromising yield
Why it matters: This discovery enables breeders to develop high-yielding, disease-resistant rice varieties tailored to regions with high bacterial blight pressure, particularly in Southeast Asia. By resolving the trade-off between immunity and growth through precise genetic understanding, it reduces reliance on chemical controls and strengthens food security where rice is a staple.
