CRISPR/SpCas9-mediated KO of epigenetically active MORC proteins increases barley resistance to Bipolaris spot blotch and Fusarium root rot

Abstract Microrchidia (MORC) proteins are fundamental regulators of genome stabilization, chromatin remodeling and gene expression in both mammals plants. In Arabidopsis, their activity is linked to the RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) pathway, which utilizes small RNAs (sRNAs) influence rate compaction thus expression. barley, there a total seven members MORC family, recent advances showed that Hv MORC1 MORC6a also interact with components RdDM pathway. CRISPR/ Sp Cas9-mediated single double knock-out mutants de-repression transposable elements ( TEs ) pathogenesis-related PR genes interestingly increased resistance biotrophic necrotrophic plant pathogenic fungi. this study, we further demonstrate requirement against two devastating cereal diseases, Bipolaris spot blotch , caused by sorokiniana Fusarium root rot, graminearum .