Genetic engineering of the potato cultivar Glenroe for increased resistance to potato virus X (PVX)

The potato cultivar Glenroe was shown to be naturally resistant to Group 1 and Group 2 strains of potato virus X (PVX) but to lack any resistance to t he more common and agriculturally relevant Group 3 strains of the virus, Sy stemic infection of Glenroe with the most common Group 3 strain, PVX.UK3, p roduces a striking yellow-green mottling of the leaves. In order to provide effective resistance to Group 3 strains, Glenroe was genetically engineere d to express a coat protein transgene from PVX.UK3, All of the transgenic l ines obtained showed significant resistance as evidenced by delayed symptom development and/or reduced virus accumulation. Six of the transgenic lines accumulated less than 2% of the PVX virion level found in control non-tran sgenic plants at 15 days post inoculation.