Why do some strawberries rot while others do not? A genetic breakthrough in the fight against gray mold

Gray mold, caused by Botrytis cinerea, poses a significant threat to strawberry and rose crops, leading to rapid decay of fruits and flowers. This pathogen results in economic losses for producers, as infected plants lose commercial value. Traditional control methods have relied on chemical pesticides, which are not always effective and raise ecological concerns. Dutch researcher Maikel Zerdoner has conducted studies at Wageningen University, focusing on the genetic mechanisms of resistance in strawberries and roses. His innovative image analysis techniques have identified genomic regions linked to resistance. The findings reveal that resistance is genetically complex, involving multiple cooperating genes. This research offers new opportunities for breeders to select resistant plant traits, potentially reducing fungal disease losses and reliance on chemical treatments.