Affiliation:
1. Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology Iowa State University Ames Iowa USA
2. Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation – National Soybean Research Center (Embrapa Soja) Londrina Paraná Brazil
3. Department of Agronomy Federal University of Viçosa Viçosa Minas Gerais Brazil
Abstract
SummarySoybean rust (SBR), caused by the obligate biotrophic fungus Phakopsora pachyrhizi, is a devastating foliar disease threatening soybean production. To date, no commercial cultivars conferring durable resistance to SBR are available. The development of long‐lasting SBR resistance has been hindered by the lack of understanding of this complex pathosystem, encompassing challenges posed by intricate genetic structures in both the host and pathogen, leading to a gap in the knowledge of gene‐for‐gene interactions between soybean and P. pachyrhizi. In this review, we focus on recent advancements and emerging technologies that can be used to improve our understanding of the P. pachyrhizi‐soybean molecular interactions. We further explore approaches used to combat SBR, including conventional breeding, transgenic approaches and RNA interference, and how advances in our understanding of plant immune networks, the availability of new molecular tools, and the recent sequencing of the P. pachyrhizi genome could be used to aid in the development of better genetic resistance against SBR. Lastly, we discuss the research gaps of this pathosystem and how new technologies can be used to shed light on these questions and to develop durable next‐generation SBR‐resistant soybean plants.
Funder
Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico
Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior
Ministério da Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Subject
Plant Science,Agronomy and Crop Science,Biotechnology