Chinese scientists have identified two specific genes in sorghum, SbSLT1 and
SbSLT2, that confer resistance to Striga, a major parasitic plant
responsible for major crop losses. When the two genes are knocked out, the
plant's resistance to Striga, commonly known as witch-weed, significantly
increases.



This discovery sheds light on the natural defense mechanisms of sorghum.
Also, it demonstrates how AI can predict critical amino acid sites in
strigolactone (SL) transporters-insights that could enhance resistance to
parasitic plants in various crops. The research team from the Institute of
Genetics and Developmental Biology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
Agricultural University, Syngenta Group China, Yazhouwan National
Laboratory, and the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences pinpointed key
amino acid sites in SL transport channels that enhance crop resistance to
parasitic plants.



[scitechdaily.com]
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