MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding small RNAs that play important roles in gene expression regulation. To identify miRNAs in hop and their response to CBCVd-infection, two small RNA (sRNA) libraries were prepared from healthyand CBCVd-infected hop plants and were investigated by high throughput sequencing. A total of 67 conserved and 49 novel miRNAs were identified. Among them, 36 conserved and 37 novel miRNAs were found to be differentially recovered in response to CBCVd-infection. A total of 311 potential targets was predicted for conserved and novel miRNAs based on a sequence homology search using hop transcriptome data. The majority of predicted targets significantly belonged to transcriptional factors that may regulate hop leaf, root and cone growth and development. In addition, the identified miRNAs might also play an important roles in other cellular and metabolic processes, such as signal transduction, stress response and other physiological processes, including prenylflavonoid biosynthesis pathways.
COBISS.SI-ID: 8522361
In this review, several methods for viroid detection in various host plants are discussed, including their advantages and disadvantages. Even though relatively new molecular methods enable fast and sensitive detection of viroids, a combination of different methods gives the most reliable identification. Techniques based on nucleic acids may be the future for viroid detection but they still cannot replace biological indexing, which is usually essential in epidemiological and aetiological studies.
COBISS.SI-ID: 8472953
Hop latent viroid (HLVd) in most varieties does not produce visible symptoms; however, it has a negative impact on both the quantity and quality of the crop. The unexpressed symptoms of the infection and vegetative propagation are the reason, that it has been present in the majority of hop production regions. In the case of viroid diseases, the use of plant protection products is not possible, so the prevention of spread of the disease is based on sanitary measures and production of healthy planting material. In this case, reliable and rapid method for detection of viroids, are crucial. For identification of HLVd in hops polyacrylamide electrophoresis (PAGE) and hybridization are used, but the most commonly used is reverse transcription combined with polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In order to upgrade the existing methods for HLVd detection, we have developed real time RT-PCR (RT-qPCR), which is distinguished by a high degree of sensitivity, speed, analyst-friendly handling and the possibility of upgrading to multiplex detection of other pathogens that are also detected in hop.
COBISS.SI-ID: 8596089