Plant immunity: towards an integrated view of plant-pathogen interactions
Peter N Dodds1, John P Rathjen
1Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Division of Plant Industry, GPO BOX 1600, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601, Australia. peter.dodds@csiro.au
Abstract:
Plants are engaged in a continuous co-evolutionary struggle for dominance with their pathogens. The outcomes of these interactions are of particular importance to human activities, as they can have dramatic effects on agricultural systems. The recent convergence of molecular studies of plant immunity and pathogen infection strategies is revealing an integrated picture of the plant-pathogen interaction from the perspective of both organisms. Plants have an amazing capacity to recognize pathogens through strategies involving both conserved and variable pathogen elicitors, and pathogens manipulate the defence response through secretion of virulence effector molecules. These insights suggest novel biotechnological approaches to crop protection.
Related Concept Videos
Microbe-Plant Interactions
Defenses Against Pathogens and Herbivores
Introduction to Plant Diversity
Plant Cell Wall
The Roles of Bacteria and Fungi in Plant Nutrition
Colonisation of Pathogens


