RNAi-based transgenic maize to control double-spotted leaf beetle (Monolepta hieroglyphica).

Background: The double-spotted leaf beetle (DLB), Monolepta hieroglyphica, is becoming a significant corn pest in China. It mainly attacks corn silk and developing kernels during the adult stage and is causing significant corn yield loss in north-eastern China. The damage caused by DLB is expected to worsen as pesticide usage is likely to decrease along with the upcoming commercial planting of transgenic lepidopteran-resistant maize in China.

Melon CmRLCK VII-8 kinase genes CmRLCK27, CmRLCK30 and CmRLCK34 modulate resistance against bacterial and fungal diseases in Arabidopsis.

Receptor-like cytoplasmic kinases (RLCKs) represent a distinct class of receptor-like kinases crucial for various aspects of plant biology, including growth, development, and stress responses. This study delves into the characterization of RLCK VII-8 members within cucurbits, particularly in melon, examining both structural features and the phylogenetic relationships of these genes/proteins. The investigation extends to their potential involvement in disease resistance by employing ectopic overexpression in Arabidopsis.

Genome Sequence Resource for , a Cause of Gummy Stem Blight Disease of Watermelon.

Gummy stem blight (GSB), which is caused by three related species of , is a worldwide devastating disease of cucurbit crops including watermelon. Previously was reported to be the major fungal cause of watermelon GSB in Southern China, where it causes a significant decrease in watermelon yield. Here, we present the draft whole genome sequence, gene prediction and annotation of strain DBTL4, isolated from diseased watermelon plants.