Abstract Detail

What can Next Generation Fungal Genome Sequencing do for you?

Crouch, Jo Anne [1].

Genomics of Colletotrichum fungi impacting the production of food, fuel and fiber.

The genus Colletotrichum is one of the most common and destructive groups of plant pathogenic fungi, causing anthracnose disease on plants from nearly every crop and natural ecosystem worldwide. There are at least 100 species of Colletotrichum, infecting more than 470 host genera. Best known as destructive agricultural pathogens, Colletotrichum are also among the most common plant endophytes and epiphytes, as they utilize a wide range of lifestyles and nutritional strategies. Anthracnose diseases caused by Colletotrichum can negatively impact many of the most important monocot plants targeted as feedstocks for novel bioenergy resources, including switchgrass, miscanthus, maize, sorghum, indiangrass, and sugarcane. In this research we are using comparative genomics approaches to study nine closely-related, hemibiotrophic Colletotrichum species that are symbionts of grasses grown for fuel, food, recreation, or as components of natural landscapes. Additional genome sequences have been generated for fifteen isolates that vary based on host specificity, interaction with the host plant (endophyte vs. pathogen), host plant physiology (C3 vs. C4), and in vitro cellulolytic phenotypes. Genome-wide GBS analyses of 612 herbarium specimens collected during the past 125 years provides insight into the emergence of three destructive anthracnose epidemics affecting wheat, maize and turfgrass during the 20th century. Knowledge gained from comparative genome and transcriptome research of these organisms will provide valuable insight into the molecular basis of host specialization, pathogenicity, cellulosic biomass degradation and other traits that characterize this diverse, yet closely related group of grass pathogens.

Related Links:
Crouch Lab

1 - USDA-ARS, Systematic Mycology & Microbiology, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Building 010A, Beltsville, MD, 20705, USA

Keywords:
genomics
Colletotrichum
herbarium
Grasses
host specialization
plant diseases
Endophytes.

Presentation Type: Symposium Presentation
Session: SY09
Location: Salon 3/The Shaw Conference Centre
Date: Tuesday, July 28th, 2015
Time: 9:15 AM
Number: SY09004
Abstract ID:1334
Candidate for Awards:None