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<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Phytophthora leaf blight Pythium cone rot <br /> <br /> <br /> Why utilize genetic engineering (GE) of taro to increase disease resistance? <br /> Conventional breeding of taro is being conducted at the University of Hawaii, and <br /> new hybrids have been developed with increased resistance to Phytophthora leaf blight. <br /> However, under weather conditions suitable for this disease organism, this resistance <br /> can break down. The taro variety shown above with leaf blight is one of the new hybrids <br /> conventionally bred for greater disease resistance. <br /> <br /> Genetic engineering offers the possibility of increased disease resistance beyond <br /> the level found within the taro germplasm. And, the taro variety remains the same <br /> genetically except for the few new genes engineered into it. <br /> <br /> The greatest success of genetic engineering of crops for increased disease <br /> resistance has been to improve viral disease resistance in plant species without any <br /> known natural resistance. For example, genetic engineering of papaya for resistance to <br /> Papaya ringspot virus has helped to save the papaya industry in Hawaii. <br /> <br /> The Alomae-Bobone viral complex is found in the Solomon Islands today, where <br /> it has wiped out 96% of the native taro varieties there and decreased taro production by <br /> 95%. Hawaiian taro varieties were tested in the Solomon Islands and all were found to <br /> be susceptible to this virus complex2.The insect vector required to transmit this virus <br /> 2 S. Pacific Commission., 1978, Advisory Leaflet. <br />