Role of pathogenesis-related proteins in plant disease management -A review

The present paper reviews one of the most important defence strategy employed by plants against pathogens. Pathogenesis-related proteins (PR-proteins) are induced in plants in response to attack by microbial or insect pests and certain stress conditions. They have been classified into several groups (PR-1 through PR-17) based on their amino acid sequences and biochemical functions. In many cases, the expression of the PR-proteins either singly or in combination appears to improve resistance to multiple phytopathogens. Transgenics with PR protein encoding genes will have a major role in plant disease management.