Abstract

A Keynote paper presented at the Second Australasian Soilborne Diseases Symposium, Lorne, 5–8 March 2001

Little is known about factors that determine the outcome of interactions between soilborne pathogens and their hosts, despite the economic importance of many root diseases. Preformed defences, disease suppression and induced resistance mechanisms are all likely to contribute to plant protection. This overview highlights some key aspects of resistance mechanisms and experimental approaches that are relevant to the control of soilborne pathogens.