Salinity-associated microRNAs and their potential roles in mediating salt tolerance in rice colonized by the endophytic root fungus Piriformospora indica.

Piriformospora indica (P. indica), an endophytic root fungus, supports the growth and enhanced tolerance of plants to biotic and abiotic stresses. Several recent studies showed the significant role of small RNA (sRNA) molecules including microRNAs (miRNAs) in plant adaption to environmental stress, but little is known concerning the symbiosis-mediated salt stress tolerance regulated at miRNAs level.

RNAi-mediated down-regulation of SHATTERPROOF gene in transgenic oilseed rape.

Oilseed rape is one of the important oil plants. Pod shattering is one of the problems in oilseed rape production especially in regions with dry conditions. One of the important genes in Brassica pod opening is SHATTERPROOF1 (SHP1).