Independent Evolution Has Led to Distinct Genomic Signatures in Dutch Elm Disease-Causing Fungi and Other Vascular Wilts-Causing Fungal Pathogens

Vascular wilts are important diseases caused by plant pathogenic fungi that result in the rapid death of their plant hosts. This is due to a systemic defense mechanism whereby the plant induces the compartmentalization of the infected vascular system in order to reduce the propagation of the fungus. The ascomycete class Sordariomycetes contains several species that cause vascular wilts in diverse plant hosts, and they can be classified into four taxonomic orders. The genetic mechanisms of pathogenesis have already been investigated in Fusarium and Verticillium species, but they have not yet be... Mehr ...