Tolerance to Plant Pathogens: Theory and Experimental Evidence

Area of Science:

• Plant pathology
• Evolutionary biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Plant defense involves resistance (limiting pathogen growth) and tolerance (reducing infection impact on fitness).
• Plant resistance is extensively studied, while plant tolerance mechanisms are less understood.
• Tolerance plays a key role in plant-pathogen interactions, influencing disease dynamics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current theories and evidence on the evolutionary causes and consequences of plant tolerance to pathogens.
• To summarize knowledge on the genetic determinants and mechanisms underlying plant tolerance.
• To highlight the significance of tolerance in plant-pathogen interactions.

Main Methods:

• Literature review synthesizing existing theories and experimental evidence.
• Analysis of studies on plant tolerance evolution, genetics, and mechanisms.
• Compilation of data on the coexistence and polymorphisms of resistance and tolerance.

Main Results:

• Resistance and tolerance often coexist in plant-pathogen systems.
• Evidence for tolerance polymorphisms is widespread across various plant-pathogen interactions.
• Tolerance effectively reduces damage to infected plants without increasing pathogen multiplication.

Conclusions:

• Plant tolerance is a vital defense strategy, comparable in importance to resistance.
• Tolerance influences plant-pathogen interaction dynamics and disease outcomes.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complexities of plant tolerance.