Blight-Resistant Potatoes Coming Soon?

The blight-causing pathogen, Phytopthora infestans, that wreaked havoc in Ireland more than 150 years ago remains a threat to potato growers worldwide. The pathogen costs growers an estimated £3billion (USD 5 billion) annually, both in crop losses and chemical control expenses. Recently, researchers from the University of Dundee in the UK, working with colleagues at the Warwick HRI and University of Aberdeen, reported that they have identified essential pathogen virulence genes that would help in the development of novel strategies to control the potato blight.

The scientist, led by Paul Birch, identified more than 500 genes encoding effectors, proteins secreted by the pathogen that suppress the host plant's defenses. Within these effector proteins, Birch and his colleagues have discovered a genetic motif - RXLR, which is necessary for the pathogen proteins to enter the potato cells. "We are really excited by the discovery of RXLR. This has provided a signature to search for proteins that are delivered inside host cells, where they may be exposed to plant defence surveillance systems," says Birch. The researchers hope that their findings will lead to the development of ways to control a wide variety of plant diseases, not just potato blight.

Read http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/media/releases/2009/090810_potato_blight_looks_promising_food_security.html for more information