Plant disease resistance is the ability of plants to prevent or mitigate infection by pathogens, achieved through inherent genetic traits or induced defenses. Resistance can be either qualitative, where plants resist specific pathogens, or quantitative, providing partial resistance to various diseases. Plants possess complex immune systems, with some genes specifically dedicated to recognizing and neutralizing pathogen attacks. Breeding for disease resistance is a priority in agriculture, as it minimizes crop losses and reduces reliance on chemical pesticides. Advances in genetic engineering allow for introducing resistance genes from different species into crops, boosting their resilience. This approach not only ensures better yields but also aligns with sustainable agriculture goals by reducing the environmental impact of disease management.
Title : Preventing/minimizing development of resistance in fungal plant pathogens to fungicides
Mohammad Babadoost, University of Illinois, United States
Title : Mycorrhizae and their role in climate resilience in agricultural systems
Mary Cole, The University of Melbourne, Australia