How Plants Resist Powdery Mildew Infection

Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that infects more than 9,000 plant species. Recent research found that plants use various genetic defenses against the infection. The plant's first line of defense against the pathogen is at the cell wall. Scientists, working with arabidopsis, have identified two genes, called PEN1 and PEN2, that block the fungus from entering the cell. Each works in a different way, and although the mechanisms are not yet understood, researchers think the process is relatively simple.

Powdery mildew and other fungal diseases cause growers great losses each year. Scientists hope to use the arabidopsis genes to develop new crops that are resistant to fungal infections.

Link: Genetic defenders protect crops from fungal disease a news release from the Carnegie Institution

Posted by Eric La Fountaine at 3:15 PM on November 28, 2005