Disease resistance

What is disease resistance?

Disease resistance refers to the ability of a plant to restrict, slow, or overcome the effects of a pathogen or insect that would cause disease. There are several types of disease resistance in plants:

• Horizontal resistance - provides resistance to multiple strains of a pathogen and is long-lasting. This is controlled by several genes and so is more durable.


• Vertical resistance - protects the plant from specific strains of a pathogen. It is easier for the pathogen strains to adapt and overcome this resistance over time.


• Complete resistance - the plant experiences no disease symptoms or pathogen reproduction.


• Partial resistance - the plant allows some disease infection or reproduction of the pathogen but has reduced symptoms.

There are two main ways that plants have genetic resistance to disease:

1. Recognition of pathogen molecules that trigger defense responses. This could involve signaling pathways turning on plant defenses.


2. Production of proteins and chemicals directly inhospitable to the pathogen. These could be enzymes to break down pathogens or chemicals to inhibit growth.

Breeding disease resistant crop varieties is crucial for food security. Historically, breeders have used conventional breeding to enhance disease resistance by crossing plants with desirable traits. Now, genetic engineering provides more tools to improve crops. Scientists can identify resistance genes in wild plants and directly insert them into domesticated varieties.

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Some key factors that influence disease resistance in plants:

• Genetics - plant innate ability to recognize and respond to pathogens


• Age - younger plants are often more susceptible


• Environmental conditions - temperature, moisture etc.


• Nutrient levels - proper fertilization helps plants defend against infection


• Plant breeders focus efforts on selecting elite plants with genetic resistance to incorporate into new commercial varieties with durability, high yields, and quality that farmers need.

In summary, plants have a range of genetic tools and defenses to avoid or limit disease infection and damage. Understanding natural disease resistance pathways leads to innovations in plant breeding and biotechnology for more resilient crops. As always, maintaining optimal health with a healthy lifestyle and hormones in balance assists the body's innate defense systems.