Resistance types
Vertical resistance (R-gene) is strong but often overcome when pathogen evolves. Horizontal resistance is partial but broader and more durable.
Breeding pipeline
Identify resistant donors, cross with elite lines, screen progeny with controlled inoculation or natural field exposure, and backcross to recover agronomic traits.
Marker-assisted selection
DNA markers linked to resistance genes speed breeding — seedlings are tested for marker presence before field trials, reducing years of phenotypic screening.