Evolution of pathogenicity in obligate fungal pathogens and allied genera

Obligate fungal pathogens (ascomycetes and basidiomycetes) and oomycetes are known to cause diseases in cereal crop plants. They feed on living cells and most of them have learned to bypass the host immune machinery. This paper discusses some of the factors that are associated with pathogenicity drawing examples from ascomycetes, basidiomycetes and oomycetes, with respect to their manifestation in crop plants. The comparisons have revealed a striking similarity in the three groups suggesting convergent pathways that have arisen from three lineages independently leading to an obligate lifestyle. This review has been written with the intent, that new information on adaptation strategies of biotrophs, modifications in pathogenicity strategies and population dynamics will improve current strategies for breeding with stable resistance.

Automated summary

This paper discusses the factors associated with pathogenicity in fungal pathogens and oomycetes, and compares examples from ascomycetes, basidiomycetes, and oomycetes in their manifestation in crop plants. The comparisons reveal a striking similarity in the three groups, suggesting convergent pathways leading to an obligate lifestyle. The review aims to provide new information on adaptation strategies, pathogenicity modifications, and population dynamics for improving breeding strategies with stable resistance.