Sensitivity genes in wheat and corresponding effector genes in necrotrophs exhibiting inverse gene-for-gene relationship
Abstract In wheat, genes for resistance (R) as well as susceptibility (S) are now known for several diseases. The S genes also include sensitivity genes like Tsn1 in wheat. R genes follow a gene-for-gene (GFG) relationship and generally involve biotrophs and S genes particularly sensitivity genes, follow an inverse gene-for-gene relationship (IGFG), generally involving necrotroph or hemi-biotroph pathogens. The toxin (virulence factor) genes of the pathogen and the corresponding sensitivity genes have been described in some detail for the following three pathogens: (i) Paratagonospora nodorum (causing Septoria nodorum blotch or SNB); (ii) Pyrenophora tritici-repentis (tan spot) and (iii) Bipolaris sorokiniana (spot blotch). These and some other pathogens produce several necrotrophic effectors (NEs), which interact directly or indirectly with the products of S genes in the host and produce disease symptoms like necrosis and/or chlorosis. In this article we present a critical review of all the relevant information about the interactions between NEs of the above three pathogens and the corresponding S genes in wheat. The gaps in knowledge and possibilities for future research are also discussed.