Genetic conversion of a fungal plant pathogen to a non-pathogenic, endophytic mutualist

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Abstract

The filamentous fungal ascomycete Colletotrichum magna causes anthracnose in cucurbit plants. Isolation of a nonpathogenic mutant of this species (path-1) resulted in maintained wild-type levels of in vitro sporulation, spore adhesion, appressorial formation, and infection. Path-1 grew throughout host tissues as an endophyte and retained the wild-type host range, which indicates that the genetics involved in pathogenicity and host specificity are distinct. Prior infection with path-1 protected plants from disease caused by Colletotrichum and Fusarium.Genetic analysis of a cross between path-1 and wild-type strains indicated mutation of a single locus.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Genetic conversion of a fungal plant pathogen to a non-pathogenic, endophytic mutualist
Series title Science
DOI 10.1126/science.260.5104.75
Volume 260
Issue 5104
Year Published 1993
Language English
Publisher American Association for the Advancement of Science
Contributing office(s) Western Fisheries Research Center
Description 4 p.
First page 75
Last page 78
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