In a major breakthrough, scientists have discovered the genetic basis of downy mildew, a devastating crop disease that affects many of the world’s most important food crops, such as wheat, barley, and maize. The findings, published today in Science, provide a crucial step forward in understanding the biology of this pathogen, which is responsible for billions of dollars in crop losses each year. The research team used a combination of genomic and genetic approaches to identify key components of the plant-pathogen interaction, and to uncover how the pathogen exploits host susceptibility. This knowledge could be used to develop novel strategies to control the disease, and ultimately, to protect global food security.

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source: Phys.org