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Deciphering host resistance mechanisms against necrotrophs: Genetic perspectives from Brassica juncea and Alternaria brassicae interactions​​

​​Presented by the Host Resistance Committee

Broadcast Date: ​April 30, 2024 | 10:00AM CST

Webinar Summary

Pathogens exert one of the strongest selective pressures on plant populations, leading to progressive changes in the genetic makeup of both the pathogen and the plant, which is usually referred to as an arms race. Fungal pathogens are among the highly evolved groups of microorganisms that affect various plant species and differ significantly in important life history traits such as dispersal mechanisms, types of reproduction, and modes of parasitism. Economic damage due to fungal diseases in crops is estimated to exceed 200 billion USD. The Brassicaceae family consists of over 40 crop species grown worldwide as oilseeds, vegetables, or condiments. Fungal and oomycete pathogens, such as Alternaria brassicae, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, and Albugo candida, are major destabilizers of yield in mustard crops. No sources of resistance are known in any of the cultivated species of Brassicas against the necrotrophic pathogens – A. brassicae and S. sclerotiorum.

The speaker's work mainly focuses on one of the major fungal diseases of the Brassicaceae family: Alternaria Blight or Alternaria Leaf spot caused by Alternaria brassicae. His team aims to understand both the mechanisms of pathogenesis and disease resistance, and use the knowledge gained to assist disease resistance breeding programs.

Attendees will Learn

1. The genetic basis of the disease response framework of Brassica juncea to Alternaria brassicae.
2. Molecular mechanisms underlying pathogenesis of A. brassicae and its implications in identifying susceptibility factors.

​ Presenter

Dr. Sivasubramanian R (PhD). He is a scientist, NationalAgri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI) (Dept of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India) Sector-81, Knowledge City, Mohali-140306, Punjab (INDIA) and Adjunct Assistant Professor Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India (under the auspices of UNESCO) Faridabad - 121 001, Haryana (NCR Delhi), India.