Identification of Virus Resistance Genes in Sugarcane: Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) and Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (ScYLV)

• Grant number: 25/04877-1
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: January 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Plant Genetics
• Principal Investigator: Anete Pereira de Souza
• Grantee: Rafaela Rodrigues Pinheiro
• Host Institution: Centro de Biologia Molecular e Engenharia Genética (CBMEG). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Company: Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento (Brasil). Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária (EMBRAPA). Embrapa Sede
• Associated research grant: 22/04006-2 - Center for Plant Molecular Breeding (CeM²P), AP.PCPE

Abstract

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is a crop of great economic, historical, and social importance, as well as a strategic source of renewable energy. However, genetic improvement of the species faces challenges due to its complex genome. Modern hybrids result from interspecific crosses between Saccharum officinarum (70-80%), Saccharum spontaneum (10-20%), and recombinant chromosomes (5-10%). Among the main phytosanitary issues, Sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV) and Sugarcane yellow leaf virus (ScYLV) stand out as significant pathogens affecting the crop in Brazil. Identifying genes associated with disease resistance is essential to improving breeding strategies. This study aims to identify candidate genes for SCMV and ScYLV resistance by analyzing genomic regions previously described as associated with resistance. To achieve this, selected marker regions will be aligned with the reference genomes of sugarcane and sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) to identify conserved regions linked to resistance. Functional annotation of the identified genes will be performed based on available literature and homology searches for orthologous genes within the Poaceae family. The results of functional analyses will be integrated to better understand the candidate genes for SCMV and ScYLV resistance.