Project: Molecular study of the hypersensitive reaction in plants.

1990-01-01 – 1994-12-31

Abstract

The so-called hypersensitive reaction is one of the most important defense mechanism of plants against pathogens, like bacteria, fungi, viruses, and even nematodes. This reaction is accompanied by a rapid necrosis of the infected zone and by a strongaccumulation of various defense proteins. In this project we intend to analyse molecularly the defense mechanism and to determine if plants can be made more tolerant against those pathogens by means of genetic engineering.