Population Genetics of Plant Pathogens

Jiasui Zhan, Scottish Crop Research Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee, UK

Published online: March 2009

DOI: 10.1002/9780470015902.a0021269

Population genetics of plant pathogens considers the origin, maintenance and distribution of genetic variation under the influence of mutation, gene flow, recombination, genetic drift and selection. Intensive monoculture in modern agriculture creates a best environment for pathogens to colonize, reproduce and transmit. Global trade of agricultural products and germplasm exchange for breeding programme may also facilitate the evolution of plant pathogens. Sustainable disease management programmes need to integrate host resistance, fungicide application, resistance gene deployment and other strategies, such as good sanitation and efficient quarantine.

Keywords: evolutionary plant pathology; population genetics of pathogens; monoculture; resistance gene deployment

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    book Hartl DL and Clark AG (1997) Principles of Population Genetics. Sunderland, MA: Sinauer Associates.
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Related Sub-Topics:

Adaptive Evolution | Selection and Variation | Population Structure and Genetics | Variation by Mutation and Recombination | Plant Disease
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Article Title: Population Genetics of Plant Pathogens
 
How to Cite close
Zhan, Jiasui(Mar 2009) Population Genetics of Plant Pathogens. In: eLS. John Wiley & Sons Ltd, Chichester. http://www.els.net [doi: 10.1002/9780470015902.a0021269]