Plants have evolved complex mechanisms for resisting pathogens. Understanding the intricate networks underlying the plant immune system is central to increasing their resistance to pests and minimising the use of pesticides.
Over 75 years ago Harold Henry Flor revealed that inheritance of plant resistance and parasitism is determined by matching single genes in plants and pathogens. Since then numerous studies have shown that the functional principles of plant resistant gene-mediated immunity is far more complex than the simple binary view proposed by Flor. The current paradigm is that plant disease resistance is encoded by dynamic repertoires of immune receptors interconnected in genetic and biochemical networks.
Further details: Improving plants’ resistance to pests