The present invention discloses a ZmWAK-RLK protein related to gray leaf spot resistance, and an encoding gene and application thereof. The present invention sets forth a protein obtained from a maize inbred line Y32, named ZmWAK-RLK, and being the protein shown in sequence 1 of the sequence listing. A nucleic acid molecule for encoding the ZmWAK-RLK protein is likewise considered to be within the scope of protection of the present invention. The present invention likewise sets forth a method for preparing a transgenic plant, comprising the following step: introducing said nucleic acid molecule into a starting plant, thus obtaining a transgenic plant having enhanced resistance to gray leaf spot. The present invention additionally sets forth a plant breeding method, comprising the following step: increasing the content and/or activity of the ZmWAK-RLK protein in a plant of interest, thus increasing the gray leaf spot resistance of the plant of interest. The present invention has great value when applied to the breeding of maize resistant to gray leaf spot.