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202k; Molecular and genetic studies of resistance and virulence in pathogenic interactions with crucifers and legumes

Reference	BBS/E/H/00031427
Principal Investigator / Supervisor	Professor Eric Holub
Co-Investigators / Co-Supervisors
Institution	University of Warwick
Department	Warwick HRI
Funding type	Research
Value (£)	1,389,542
Status	Completed
Type	Institute Project
Start date	01/04/1997
End date	31/03/2000
Duration	36 months

Abstract

An understanding of the molecular basis for host specificity and gene-for-gene recognition in plant pathogen associations is of fundamental importance in plant biology and will provide new opportunites for the control of plant diseases by genetics. A variety of genetically well-defined plant pathosystems are required to derive broad-ranging underlying biological principles by facilitating the isolation and cloning of a) pathogen genes controlling host genotype specific virulence and host range; b) host genes involved in pathotype and species specific recognition and c) host genes involved in signalling pathways. A full understanding of the molecular events controlling host-pathogen specificity will only come from the study of matching gene pairs isolated from biologically well-characterised systems. Several model systems involving legume and crucifer host species are being investigated with the objective of understanding the basis for variation in host resistance and pathogen virulence in plant-pathogen associations. The inheritance of pathotype specific resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana to the fungal pathogens Peronospora parasitica and Albugo candida is being studied, genes mapped to chromosome locations and isolated using a position based strategy. Genetic additivity and epistatic effects on interaction phenotypes are being studied together with the organisation of resistance loci within the genome. Mutants influencing the phenotypic expression of compatibility and incompatibility are being isolate, genetically characterised and mapped; mutants at recognition loci and in signalling pathways are being sought. The genetics of specific avirulence in Peronospora parasitica is being investigated as a prelude to gene isolation. The genetics of isolate specific resistance to bean common mosaic virus (BCMV) and turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) is being studied to provide the necessary definition for a molecular investigation of host specificity and recognition. Pathotypes of these viruses are being investigated to identify the molecular basis for host specificity. The inheritance of isolate and pathovar specific resistance in peas, beans and other legumes to Pseudomonas syringae pathovars is being studied and genes mapped; transconjugant bacterial strains carrying cloned and sequenced homologous and heterologous bacterial avirulence genes are providing added precision to this work. Work has recently started to extend studies to encompass the important bacterial pathogen of crucifers: Xanthomonas campestris The exploitation of information technology and bioinformatics, the production of new diagnostic capability based on genetics, the enhancement of disease resistance through genetic manipulation and the development of biological control systems address research priorities recently identified by Technology Foresight. The programme relates to BBSRC priority areas in: resistance and virulence (ASD), signalling in plants (PMS), plant genome analysis (GDB) and forced and natural molecular evolution (GDB). The anticipated outputs from this project include characterised plant germplasm and pathogen isolates, gene sequences, diagnostic reagents and publications of generic significance. The benefits anticipated will be the durable control of crop disease with reduced reliance on agrochemicals. The results from this project already find exploitation in programmes of genetic improvement of legumes and crucifers. Isolated and characterised genes for recognition and response to pathogens, together with an appreciation of how they exert their effects is likely to have a profound impact on future disease control strategies.

Summary

unavailable

Committee	Closed Committee - Agri-food (AF)
Research Topics	X – not assigned to a current Research Topic
Research Priority	X – Research Priority information not available
Research Initiative	X - not in an Initiative
Funding Scheme	X – not Funded via a specific Funding Scheme

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