What's Happening?
Chinese scientists have made significant progress in breeding potatoes resistant to late blight, a devastating crop disease. Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the research teams identified three new resistance genes and proposed
a 'Plug-in' strategy for breeding. This approach aims to develop potato varieties with durable disease resistance, addressing the pathogen's rapidly evolving genome. The study, published in Nature, highlights the construction of the potato NLRome, a comprehensive resource of resistance genes, and introduces a novel conceptual approach for rapid development of disease-resistant crops.
Why It's Important?
Potato late blight causes annual global losses exceeding $10 billion, underscoring the need for effective resistance strategies. The 'Plug-in' strategy offers a promising solution by enhancing the durability of resistance genes, potentially reducing economic losses and improving food security. This advancement could transform conventional potato breeding practices, facilitating the development of more resilient crop varieties. The research also contributes to the broader understanding of plant-pathogen coevolution, providing insights that could benefit other agricultural sectors.
