Isolation and functional characterisation of a pathogen meta effector able to inhibit detection of multiple disease effectors by resistant plants

Fungal pathogens cause disease in plants by using effector proteins to subvert the plant immune system and alter plant metabolism. Paradoxically, effectors can also trigger resistance when detected by resistant plants. This project aims to identify a meta effector able to inhibit the detection of multiple fungal effectors by resistant plants, and to elucidate its function. This research will increase our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying fungal pathogenicity and provide opportunities to develop new strategies for disease control.