Recent advancements in the development of resistance against white rust of rapeseed mustard caused by Albugo candida

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Authors: Devanshu Dev, A. K. Tewari, Sudha Nandni, Prince Kumar Gupta, Erayya ., Kahkashan Arzoo, Mukesh Kumar, Subhashish Sarkhel, Md Shamim, J. N. Srivastava
Cited by: 2
References: 54

Abstract

White rust, caused by the obligate biotrophic oomycete Albugo candida, is a destructive disease of Brassicaceae crops, particularly rapeseed–mustard, leading to significant yield losses worldwide. The pathogen exhibits high genetic and pathogenic variability, with multiple races characterized through pathogenicity assays and molecular tools. Conventional management practices, including cultural methods, seed treatments, botanicals, and chemical applications, provide only partial and inconsistent control under high disease pressure. Although several resistant and moderately resistant genotypes have been reported, only a few varieties demonstrate stable resistance and consistent field performance. Molecular diagnostics, especially sequence analysis of the nuclear ribosomal DNA Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit II (COX2) region, have proven effective for rapid and accurate identification of A. candida isolates, enabling studies of intra- and interspecific variation. However, durable and sustainable management depends on a deeper understanding of host–pathogen molecular interactions, discovery of novel resistance sources, and validation across diverse environments. Emerging molecular strategies, including genome editing using CRISPR-Cas systems, RNA interference (RNAi), and suppression of host susceptibility genes, offer promising avenues for early pathogen detection, precise diagnosis, and the development of resistant cultivars, ensuring long-term protection against white rust.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Plant Pathogens and Resistance Plant Disease Resistance and Genetics Plant-Microbe Interactions and Immunity

Publication details

Journal / source
Discover Applied Sciences
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
8
Issue
3
Publication date
21 January 2026
Language
EN