Major genes for resistance to bacterial blight in rice

Abstract

This paper reviews oligogenic resistance to bacterial blight (BB) in rice. The major genes identified in Asian countries are discussed. Then the results of the Japan-International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) collaboration on BB resistance are reported. Under the collaboration, Japanese and IRRI differentials were genetically analyzed using Japanese and Philippine BB isolates. As a result, the gene symbols for BB resistance were rearranged according to the rules for gene symbolization in rice, and two new resistance genes were recently identified. Based on the results, the nature of major genes for BB resistance is discussed; some major genes have relatively wide spectra of resistance.