Breeders have
introgressed natural disease
resistance genes into crop
plants from wild relatives in
order to protect them against
specific pathogens. Now UC
scientists (see UC Research
Highlights) have isolated R
genes for viral, bacterial and
aphid resistance and are
characterizing the genes to
understand their precise
function. Coupling an
understanding of the genes
with the ability to reintroduce
them via genetic engineering
will open the door to creating
new strategies for pest
resistance in plants.