Analysis of Assertion A
Assertion A states that horizontal resistance is durable because it is non-race specific.
- Horizontal resistance (also known as non-specific or quantitative resistance) involves multiple genes and provides a general defense against a broad range of pathogen strains.
- Because it targets multiple pathogen functions or is based on general plant defense mechanisms, it is much harder for the pathogen to overcome quickly.
- This makes horizontal resistance generally more durable over time compared to race-specific resistance.
Therefore, Assertion A is correct.
Analysis of Reason R
Reason R states that race-specific resistance puts pressure on the pathogen to evolve more virulent races.
- Race-specific resistance (often controlled by single R genes) provides defense against particular races or strains of a pathogen that possess matching avirulence genes.
- When such resistance is deployed widely, pathogen populations that happen to have mutations allowing them to overcome that specific resistance are strongly selected for.
- This selection pressure drives the evolution of new, potentially more virulent or aggressive pathogen races capable of overcoming the host's specific defense.
Therefore, Reason R is correct.
Relationship between Assertion A and Reason R
While both statements are factually correct:
- Assertion A explains the durability of horizontal resistance based on its non-race-specific nature.
- Reason R explains a consequence (pathogen evolution pressure) associated with race-specific resistance.
- Reason R does not explain *why* horizontal resistance is durable. The durability of horizontal resistance stems from its broad-acting, multi-gene nature, not from the evolutionary pressures exerted on pathogens by race-specific resistance.
Thus, Reason R is not the correct explanation for Assertion A, even though both are true statements.