| abstract |
Disclosed are nucleic acids encoding polypeptides which are capable of conferring extreme resistance (ER) against, and being triggered by, plant pathogens such as viruses (e.g. PVX and related isolates). Preferred nucleic acids encode the Rx polynucleotide from Solanum tuberosum, or a variety of homologues (naturally occurring or derivatives) thereof, such as 111h1; 221h2; Ac15; Ac64; K39.hom. Particular methods of activating resistance by using combinations of resistance gene and elicitor are also disclosed, which in certain cases lead to a hypersensitive response. Further aspects of the invention include specific primers, vectors, host cells, polypeptides, antibodies and transgenic plants, plus methods of producing and employing these, in particular for influencing a resistance trait in a plant. |