The presence of bov and ZRNase II transgenes was confirmed by PCR analysis. RNase activity was examined by modified Oleshko method. Plants with heterologous ribonuclease genes had higher level of RNase activity compared to nontransgenic ones. Transgenic plants inoculated with Potato virus Y, PVY (genus Potyvirus, family Potyviridae) demonstrated delayed and less severe symptoms of viral infection. DAS-ELISA confirmed the presence of viral antigens both in transformed and control plants. Visual manifestations of viral infection in transgenic potatoes were milder than in control plants and their development was delayed, but complete elimination of the virus did not occur. |
