Crop sunflowers are attacked by many fungal pathogens,such as downy mildew and Sclerotinia,resulting in economic losses of millions of dollars per year.What genes would be best to target for the development of new fungus-killing crop treatments (fungicides)?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Targeting genes encoding chitin proteins that are shared by the fungal pathogens but absent in the crop plant and humans would be the most effective approach to develop new fungicides. Chitin is a major component of fungal cell walls and is absent in plants and animals, making it a good target for specific antifungal treatments. Genes encoding growth proteins shared by the fungal pathogens and the crop plant may not be effective since inhibiting these genes could also harm the plant's growth. Targeting genes encoding metabolite proteins shared by the fungal pathogens and humans may not be specific enough to only affect the fungi, and may have unintended side effects. Genes encoding basic development proteins shared by all four organisms may also have harmful side effects on the crop plant and human health.

Crop Sunflowers Are Attacked by Many Fungal Pathogens,such as Downy