Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

The co-evolutionary arms race model for plant-pathogen interactions implies that resistance (R) genes are relatively young and monomorphic. However, recent reports show R gene longevity and co-existence of multiple R genes in natural populations. This indicates that R genes are maintained by balancing selection, which occurs when loss of the matching avirulence (Avr) gene in the pathogen is associated with reduced virulence. We reason that balancing selection favors R proteins that function as guards, monitoring changes in the virulence target mediated by the Avr factor, rather than recognizing the Avr factor itself. Indeed, the available experimental data support the notion that guarding is prevalent in gene-for-gene interactions.

Type

Journal article

Journal

Trends Plant Sci

Publication Date

02/2002

Volume

7

Pages

67 - 71

Keywords

Membrane Glycoproteins, Models, Biological, Plant Diseases, Plant Proteins, Plants, Selection, Genetic, Virulence