Genomics of fungal disease resistance

Authors: WISSER, RANDALL - University Of Delaware; Lauter, Nicholas

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/2/2018
Publication Date: 11/24/2018
Citation: Wisser, R.J., Lauter, N.C. 2018. Genomics of fungal disease resistance. In: Bennetzen J., Flint-Garcia S., Hirsch C., Tuberosa R., editors. The Maize Genome. Compendium of Plant Genomes. Cham, Switzerland: Springer International. p. 201-211. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-97427-9_13.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-97427-9_13

Interpretive Summary: Fungal diseases are prevalent on maize, for which resistance is controlled by numerous genes where sequence variation more typically gives rise to quantitative rather than qualitative phenotypes. Genomics is facilitating advances in genetics and systems biology while opening the door for convergence between the two. As this is leading to new perspectives about the nature of functionality versus variability during pathogenesis, changes may be afoot in how maize breeders handle the challenge of crop protection.

Technical Abstract: Fungal diseases pose continued threats to the quality, affordability and availability of maize products in food markets and to price stability in feed, fuel and processing markets. As maize product markets change and diversify and as temperate climates experience warmer winters, disease control will likely not get easier. However, both the maize genome and maize genomics are being leveraged to tackle challenges to the provision of food, feed, fuel and fiber for a growing population. The maize genome is remarkably well-equipped, versatile and pliable, and our understanding of essential disease resistance mechanisms is improving at the DNA, RNA, protein and metabolite levels, as highlighted by examples of breakthroughs using quantitative genetic, genetic genomic, proteomic, and metabolomic approaches. Nevertheless, increased emphasis on elucidation of quantitative disease resistance mechanisms is warranted. Foremost, crop improvement via engineering requires this information for success, we must know which genes contribute key functionality and variability and how the most valuable alleles should act in diverse contexts. In addition, stress biology research is a key path toward a more thorough functional characterization of the maize genome, an obvious goal for humankind in view of the fact that maize is the most productive and most widely grown crop in our world.