Identification and characterization of a new potato immune receptor against Phytophthora infestans

Summary

This research revolves around potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), a crucial non-cereal food crop for 1.3 billion people globally. Potatoes face a multitude of pests and pathogens, including insects, nematodes, viruses, bacteria, fungi, and Phytophthora infestans, the notorious oomycete behind late blight. This devastating disease played a significant role in the Irish Potato Famine in the 19th century and continues to threaten potato production. Historically, resistance breeding in potatoes focused on dominant resistance genes, but these often lack durability. Another, less explored, defense mechanism in potatoes involves the recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). This research aimed to identify and characterize the PRR for Pep-13/25 in potatoes, contributing to a better understanding of the potato's first line of defense against P. infestans and the potential for achieving more durable resistance to late blight.