Enhanced resistance to fungal pathogens through selective utilization of useful microbial genes

Abstract

Fungal pathogens of crop plants are responsible for huge losses in crop productivity worldwide. By selective utilization of useful microbial genes in plant systems through the transgenic approach these fungal pathogens can be effectively managed and loss in crop productivity can be minimized. Microbial genes coding for mitogen-activated protein kinases, chitinases, glucanases, and peroxidases have effectively been overexpressed in plants and successful control of fungal pathogens have been achieved along with reductions in losses to the crop yield. This chapter aims to highlight several of such useful microbial genes effective against fungal pathogens of plants and their selective utilization. © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.