The dynamics of expression of protective proteins (lectin and defensin) genes of different genotypes of the winter wheat, affected by P. herpotrichoides, was investigated. Methods. RT-PCR was used for gene expression analysis. Results. We established that the lectin mRNA content in control and infecting plants of the resistant cultivar is considerably higher than in the susceptible one; the character of defensin mRNA accumulation in the investigated cultivars, control and infecting plants, does not change. Conclusion. The spare pool of lectin mRNA in the resistant cultivar is more substantial, than in the susceptible one, that is, possibly, one of the factors of the plant resistance. Inability to support constantly a high level of the protective genes expression seems to influence negatively on the cultivar resistance .