부산대학교 도서관

A study published in the Plant Biotechnology Journal explores the use of immune-enhancing microRNA-encoded peptides (miPEPs) to combat plant diseases and improve crop yields. The researchers identified 17 miPEPs that decreased the expression of a gene associated with plant defense responses, and three miPEPs that increased its expression. These miPEPs were found to decrease fungal colonization in Arabidopsis thaliana plants without directly harming the fungi. The study also demonstrated that the miPEPs were effective in reducing the incidence of Botrytis cinerea infection in strawberry, bean, and tomato plants. Field trials with tomato plants treated with a specific miPEP showed a 35% improvement in crop yields. The research highlights the potential of miPEPs as an alternative to chemical fungicides in agriculture. [Extracted from the article]