Phytopathology (1996) 86, p. S64 (Goins et al.)

Tresa L. Goins and Joan M. Henson (1996)
Melanization and decreased pathogenicity of Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici

Phytopathology 86 (11 suppl.), S64-S64
Abstract: Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici, a filamentous ascomycete, causes take-all disease of wheat. Darkly-pigmented, spontaneous mutants of a non-pigmented, virulent wild-type strain were isolated and characterized. Hyphal pigmentation was associated with 1) production of phialospores, 2) decreased protein secretion, 3) decreased penetration of the root stele and 4) decreased pathogenicity as determined by plant mass. 50% of ascospores derived from darkly-pigmented mutants reverted to the non-pigmented, virulent phenotype. The identification of laccase is also reported and the possible role of this enzyme as a G. g. var. tritici virulence factor is discussed.

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Gaeumannomyces graminis