Advances in Biological Control and Resistance Genes of Brassicaceae Clubroot Disease-The Study Case of China

Clubroot disease is a soil-borne disease caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae. It occurs in cruciferous crops exclusively, and causes serious damage to the economic value of cruciferous crops worldwide. Although different measures have been taken to prevent the spread of clubroot disease, the most fundamental and effective way is to explore and use disease-resistance genes to breed resistant varieties. However, the resistance level of plant hosts is influenced both by environment and pathogen race. In this work, we described clubroot disease in terms of discovery and current distribution, life cycle, and race identification systems; in particular, we summarized recent progress on clubroot control methods and breeding practices for resistant cultivars. With the knowledge of these identified resistance loci and R genes, we discussed feasible strategies for disease-resistance breeding in the future.

Automated summary

Clubroot disease is a soil-borne disease caused by Plasmodiophora brassicae, which exclusively occurs in cruciferous crops and seriously damages their economic value worldwide. The most effective way to prevent the spread of the disease is to explore and use disease-resistance genes to breed resistant varieties. However, the resistance level of plant hosts is influenced by both environment and pathogen race. This article describes clubroot disease in terms of discovery and distribution, life cycle, and race identification systems, and summarizes recent progress on control methods and breeding practices for resistant cultivars. Feasible strategies for disease-resistance breeding in the future are discussed based on the identified resistance loci and R genes.