AUTHOR=Abreha Kibrom B. , Ortiz Rodomiro , Carlsson Anders S. , Geleta Mulatu 

TITLE=Understanding the Sorghum–Colletotrichum sublineola Interactions for Enhanced Host Resistance

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Plant Science

VOLUME=12

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/plant-science/articles/10.3389/fpls.2021.641969

DOI=10.3389/fpls.2021.641969

ISSN=1664-462X

ABSTRACT=<p>Improving sorghum resistance is a sustainable method to reduce yield losses due to anthracnose, a devastating disease caused by <italic>Colletotrichum sublineola</italic>. Elucidating the molecular mechanisms of sorghum–<italic>C. sublineola</italic> interactions would help identify biomarkers for rapid and efficient identification of novel sources for host-plant resistance improvement, understanding the pathogen virulence, and facilitating resistance breeding. Despite concerted efforts to identify resistance sources, the knowledge about sorghum–anthracnose interactions remains scanty. Hence, in this review, we presented an overview of the current knowledge on the mechanisms of sorghum-<italic>C. sublineola</italic> molecular interactions, sources of resistance for sorghum breeding, quantitative trait loci (QTL), and major (<italic>R</italic>-) resistance gene sequences as well as defense-related genes associated with anthracnose resistance. We summarized current knowledge about <italic>C. sublineola</italic> populations and its virulence. Illustration of the sorghum-<italic>C. sublineola</italic> interaction model based on the current understanding is also provided. We highlighted the importance of genomic resources of both organisms for integrated omics research to unravel the key molecular components underpinning compatible and incompatible sorghum–anthracnose interactions. Furthermore, sorghum-breeding strategy employing rapid sorghum germplasm screening, systems biology, and molecular tools is presented.</p>