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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Madison, Wisconsin » Vegetable Crops Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #238179

Title: Molecular Mechanisms of Resistance - Functions of Major R Genes

Author
item Halterman, Dennis

Submitted to: American Phytopathological Society Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/17/2009
Publication Date: 8/1/2009
Citation: Halterman, D.A. 2009. Molecular Mechanisms of Resistance - Functions of Major R Genes [abstract]. American Phytopathological Society Annual Meeting. 99:S168.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Vascular wilt pathogens have evolved a diverse arsenal of toxic proteins and compounds, termed effectors, designed to promote pathogenesis and facilitate suppression of basal host defenses. However, as is the case with most phytopathogens, their plant hosts have developed a corresponding set of resistance (R) genes that encode receptors capable of activating strong defenses upon recognition of specific pathogen effectors. Research efforts over the past 20 years have resulted in the identification and cloning of R genes for a wide variety of pathogens from many plant hosts. The identification of host R genes and incorporation into cultivated crops becomes particularly important when dealing with pathogens such as vascular wilts, where chemical control options are typically very limited. This presentation will include an overview of genes conferring resistance to vascular wilt pathogens and an update on research results related to mechanisms of pathogen recognition and resistance activation.