Pathogen lifestyle determines host genetic signature of quantitative disease resistance loci in oilseed rape (Brassica napus).

Using associative transcriptomics, our study identifies genes conferring resistance to four diverse fungal pathogens in crops, emphasizing key genetic determinants of multi-pathogen resistance. Crops are affected by several pathogens, but these are rarely studied in parallel to identify common and unique genetic factors controlling diseases. Broad-spectrum quantitative disease resistance (QDR) is desirable for crop breeding as it confers resistance to several pathogen species.

Transcriptomics of temperature-sensitive R gene-mediated resistance identifies a WAKL10 protein interaction network.

Understanding temperature-sensitivity of R gene-mediated resistance against apoplastic pathogens is important for sustainable food production in the face of global warming. Here, we show that resistance of Brassica napus cotyledons against Leptosphaeria maculans was temperature-sensitive in introgression line Topas-Rlm7 but temperature-resilient in Topas-Rlm4. A set of 1,646 host genes was differentially expressed in Topas-Rlm4 and Topas-Rlm7 in response to temperature.

Co-inoculation timing affects the interspecific interactions between phoma stem canker pathogens Leptosphaeria maculans and Leptosphaeria biglobosa.

Background: Phoma stem canker is an economically important disease of oilseed rape, caused by two co-existing fungal pathogen species, Leptosphaeria maculans (Plenodomus lingam) and Leptosphaeria biglobosa (Plenodomus biglobosus). Leptosphaeria maculans produces a phytotoxin called sirodesmin PL. Our previous work showed that L.

Novel gene loci associated with susceptibility or cryptic quantitative resistance to Pyrenopeziza brassicae in Brassica napus.

Quantitative disease resistance (QDR) controls the association of the light leaf spot pathogen with Brassica napus; four QDR loci that were in linkage disequilibrium and eight gene expression markers were identified. Quantitative disease resistance (QDR) can provide durable control of pathogens in crops in contrast to resistance (R) gene-mediated resistance which can break down due to pathogen evolution. QDR is therefore a desirable trait in crop improvement, but little is known about the causative genes, and so it is difficult to incorporate into breeding programmes.