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

April 1, 1993

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 Year 1993
Title Genetic conversion of a fungal plant pathogen to a non-pathogenic, endophytic mutualist
DOI 10.1126/science.260.5104.75
Authors Stanley Freeman, Rusty J. Rodriguez
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Science
Index ID 70180478
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Western Fisheries Research Center
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