What is the Difference Between Vertical and Horizontal Resistance?

Vertical and horizontal resistance are two types of genetic resistance mechanisms in plants that protect against pathogens. The main differences between them are:

Controlled by: Vertical resistance is controlled by a single gene or few genes, while horizontal resistance is controlled by many genes.
Specific or non-specific: Vertical resistance is specific, meaning it offers protection against a particular pathogen, whereas horizontal resistance is non-specific and provides broad-spectrum protection against multiple pathogens.
Inheritance: Vertical resistance is inherited as a dominant trait, while horizontal resistance is considered a complex trait that involves multiple genes and their interactions.
Stability: Vertical resistance can be more unstable compared to horizontal resistance, as single genes can be easier for pathogens to overcome. Horizontal resistance, on the other hand, is generally more stable and durable, as it involves multiple genes that confer resistance.
Environmental influence: Vertical resistance is not influenced by the environment, while horizontal resistance can be influenced by environmental factors.

In summary, vertical resistance is a specific, single-gene-controlled mechanism that offers protection against a particular pathogen, while horizontal resistance is a non-specific, multiple-gene-controlled mechanism that provides broad-spectrum protection against various pathogens. Horizontal resistance is generally considered more stable and durable compared to vertical resistance.

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What is the Difference Between Vertical and Horizontal Resistance?

Comparative Table: Vertical vs Horizontal Resistance

The difference between vertical and horizontal resistance can be summarized in the following table:

Vertical Resistance	Horizontal Resistance
Controlled by a single gene	Controlled by multiple genes
Race-specific, resistance to some pathogen isolates and not to others	Non-race-specific, resistance to a broader range of pathogens
Relatively unstable and easy to overcome	Stable and highly durable
Plants with vertical resistance may be susceptible to other pathogens	Plants with horizontal resistance are generally more resistant to multiple pathogens

Vertical resistance is the resistance of plants against pathogens that is controlled by a single gene, making it race-specific and relatively unstable. On the other hand, horizontal resistance is the resistance of plants against pathogens that is controlled by many genes, making it non-race-specific, stable, and highly durable.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.