Biotic stress resistance genes in wheat

Biotic stress – caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, nematodes, insects and arachnids, and weeds – is a major constraint for wheat production. Plants have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to fight biotic stress. Hundreds of biotic stress resistance genes are known in wheat; however, only a few of them have been cloned and characterized at the molecular level. This article provides an overview of the current knowledge about biotic stress resistance genes in wheat.