Abstract Detail

Basic and applied approaches to improve disease resistance in plants

Errampalli, Deena [1].

Induced resistance as a tool in plant disease management.

Diseases caused by fungal, bacterial and viral pathogens significantly reduce yield and quality during production and could result in complete loss of market value of some agricultural commodities in field or in storages. The application of synthetic fungicides, bactericides and insecticides is an important strategy for controlling crop diseases. Intensive and exclusive use of some of the fungicides has resulted in fungicide resistance. Also there is an increasing awareness of socio-environmental risks in using synthetic fungicides. This led researchers to seek generally acceptable eco-friendly alternatives to the use of synthetic fungicides. One of the areas of interest is the use of induced resistance (IR) to protect plants from disease. The IR comprises of hypersensitive response (HR), local and systemic acquired resistance (SAR) or induced systemic resistance (ISR). A range of exogenous biotic and abiotic agents can be used as elicitors to prime (potentiate) or activate (elicit) IR to combat the pathogens. These elicitors control plants by activating specific defence pathways. Understanding the mechanisms of IR provides basis for practical application of this approach in field, preharvest and postharvest disease management. In addition the host response in the field is influenced by factors such as, genotype, crop nutrition and environment. The role of IR in crop protection will be discussed. Although the research in area of IR has increased over the last two decades, still there are more questions than answers. Further research is required in understanding the mechanisms involved in improving or combining IR with other disease management tools.

1 - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 4902 Victoria Ave N, Vineland, Ontario, L0R2E0, Canada

Keywords:
induced resistance
systemic acquired ressitance
PGPR
Endophytic fungi.

Presentation Type: Symposium Presentation
Session: SY05
Location: Salon 2/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Monday, July 27th, 2015
Time: 4:45 PM
Number: SY05008
Abstract ID:620
Candidate for Awards:None