IDENTIFIED GENES OF PLANT-RESISTANCE TO D ISEASES AND THEIR POTENTIALAPPLICATION

Genetic diversity, expressed through different levels of specific and nonspecific resistance, determines the efficiency of ecosystems of pla nts resisting biotic stress. All existing breeding programs for resist ance to infectious diseases use genes determining the above character. Gene pools of some crops and their wild relatives serve as a source o f new genes. The wild species are characterized by the highest immunol ogic potential. For increasing genetic diversity with respect to resis tance factors, analysis of previously cultivated varieties, which are often heterogeneous multiline cultivars, is promising.