POWRE: Evolution of Plant Resistance Genes

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9870516 May This research will analyze the importance of molecular rearrangements in generating new alleles at the N locus, a complex viral resistance locus in the Solanaceae. Analysis of the evolutionary importance of rearrangements will address the question of how the genomic architecture of plants might be organized to provide continued resistance to microbial pathogens. In these analyses, the investigator will take advantage of a strong functional selection for altered resistance alleles to recover rearrangements at N in Solanaceae species. Comparing these results to the structure of the N locus in related species within the Solanaceae will allow assessment of the evolutionary importance of rearrangements in generating new N genes and alleles. Understanding the molecular evolutionary interactions of host plants and their associated microorganisms is essential to developing sustainable agricultural systems with low ecological impact and can define novel approaches to plant protection.