Generation of virus‐resistant potato plants by RNA genome targeting

Summary CRISPR /Cas systems provide bacteria and archaea with molecular immunity against invading phages and foreign plasmids. The class 2 type VI CRISPR /Cas effector Cas13a is an RNA ‐targeting CRISPR effector that provides protection against RNA phages. Here we report the repurposing of CRISPR /Cas13a to protect potato plants from a eukaryotic virus, Potato virus Y ( PVY ). Transgenic potato lines expressing Cas13a/sg RNA (small guide RNA )...