Pathogen recognition and plant-defence activation by a novel Fusarium wilt-resistance protein from tomato

Fusarium wilt disease of tomato can cause large economic losses. Chemical control measures are ineffective against this pathogen, so disease management is largely achieved by the use of resistant varieties. However, the durability of this approach is limited by the pathogen's ability to overcome varietal resistance. This project aims to increase our limited understanding of the molecular processes underlying plant resistance through the functional characterisation of a newly discovered class of resistance protein effective against Fusarium wilt. This research has implications for the development of new strategies to protect tomato crops, and could also assist in reducing the impacts of plant diseases on other important agricultural plants.