Expression of baculovirus anti-apoptotic p35 gene in tobacco enhances tolerance to abiotic stress.

ABSTRACT

Expression of baculovirus anti-apoptotic p35 gene in plants on biotic stress responses has been well studied but its function on abiotic stress has not been documented. In the present study, the p35 gene from Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) was expressed in tobacco. A detached leaf assay was used to test tolerance of p35 transgenic plants to various abiotic stress responses. Expression of p35 gene in tobacco gave tolerance to treatment with methanol and H2O2 and also delayed leaf senescence under starvation in the dark. Germination of T(0) seeds on NaCl-containing medium also demonstrated to increase salt tolerance.