Advances in breeding techniques for durable resistance to spot blotch in cereals

This chapter reviews advances in breeding techniques for durable resistance to spot blotch in cereals. It starts by highlighting the spread, economic importance and the disease cycle of spot blotch. The chapter then goes on to examine the diversity of the pathogen and physiological specialization. This is then followed by a discussion on the identification of resistance sources, as well as the histological, biochemical and morphological components of resistance. The chapter also reviews molecular approaches for resistance breeding, specifically focusing on quantitative trait loci (QTL and genome-wide association mapping (GWAS) studies. Resistance genes and their possible deployment are also discussed, along with a section on low molecular weight toxins and their possible role in pathogenicity. The chapter also examines necrotrophic effector triggered susceptibility and associated genes and breeding for spot blotch resistance in wheat. Breeding for spot blotch resistance in barley is also discussed, before concluding with a discussion on farmers participatory research in the release of spot blotch resistant varieties.