Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
C
HAPTER
5
Enhanced Resistance to Fungal
Pathogens in Plants through
Selective Utilization of Useful
Fungal Genes
B.K. Sarma, A. Singh, H.B. Singh and R.S. Upadhyay*
Abstract
Fungal pathogens of crop plants can be effectively managed through development
of transgenic plants over expressing several useful genes of fungal origin that are
generally obtained from potential biological control fungal agents. Over expres-
sion of similar genes of plant origin usually had adverse effect on morphology
and physiology of the plants showing the importance of utilization of genes from
different heterologous sources especially from fungal origin. Over expression of
genes responsive to biotic stresses such as chitinases, glucanases, peroxidases,
disease-related R genes and ferritins, mitogen-activated protein kinases and
specifi c transcription factors had shown that such plants were able to lower the
infection by fungal pathogens signifi cantly. A detail description of development
of transgenic plants utilizing genes from fungal origin for management of fungal
pathogens is summarized in the chapter.
INTRODUCTION
Cultivated crop species are susceptible to attack from many phytopathogens,
which results in major yield losses and deterioration in fruit quality.
Incorporation of resistance to diseases is one of the major challenges
faced by the breeders during the development of improved crop cultivars
for agricultural use. Since the beginning of domestication of plants for
