Abstract

This research compares the effectiveness of Rep protein mutants and codon-optimized truncated Rep (Repsyn130) in transgenic tomato plants against the tomato yellow leaf curl virus-Oman (TYLCV-OM) evaluating their ability to inhibit replication and enhance plant health and productivity. Tomato yellow leaf curl disease poses substantial loss to tomato production globally, including Oman. Replication-associated genes play a very important role in the replication of TYLCV and other begomoviruses. However, synthetic proteins in particular have shown potential in reducing viral replication and symptoms in genetically modified tomato plants. Rep mutants were created through substitution mutagenesis and Repsyn130 plants were generated through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The study revealed that Rep mutants and Repsyn130 can decrease symptoms caused by TYLCV-OM. Repsyn130, in particular, demonstrated enhanced viral resistance. Utilizing real-time PCR analysis, it was confirmed that Repsyn130 plants displayed a decrease in viral load. This research emphasizes the potential of utilizing codon-optimized Repsyn130 to provide viral resistance and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Future research will investigate its impact on additional defense mechanisms.