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Molecular Characterization of Pathogenicity Gene Homologs in Colletotrichum falcatum Causing Red Rot in Sugarcane

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Abstract

Variation in Colletotrichum  falcatum causing red rot disease of sugarcane is well established at cultural, pathogenic and molecular level. However, limited information is available on genes responsible for pathogen virulence and its pathogenesis. To understand virulence in C. falcatum, detailed studies were taken up using phylogenetically differentiated two isolates viz., Cf671 and Cf92020 vary in their virulence with 28 pathogenicity gene homologs. Important pathogenicity  gene homologs  amplified were PKS1, SCD1, THR1, Cap5, Cap20, MAF1, Pg1, PG2, Pel1, Pel2, SSD1, APH1, ArpA, ICL1, RGT2, RAC1, CreA, HXT1 and HXT3. Characterization of gene  sequences of the selected pathogenicity genes from C. falcatum revealed both intra- and interspecific variation and comparison of genomic sources sequenced among two distinct isolates revealed a definite role of pathogenicity genes in C. falcatum pathogenesis. Differential expression of the pathogenicity gene homologs between isolates has been validated during host pathogen interaction.The present investigation identified the role of pathogenicity genes and their differential expression in C. falcatum pathogenesis for the first time. 

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Acknowledgement

The authors are grateful to the Director, ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute for providing facilities and constant encouragement.

Funding

This study was done as part of ICAR-SBI fund.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Plant Pathology Section, Crop Protection Division, ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore, 641007, Tamil Nadu, India

    M. Scindiya, P. Malathi, K. Kaverinathan, R. Viswanathan & A. Ramesh Sundar

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  1. M. Scindiya
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  2. P. Malathi
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  3. K. Kaverinathan
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  4. R. Viswanathan
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  5. A. Ramesh Sundar
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Correspondence to P. Malathi.

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Scindiya, M., Malathi, P., Kaverinathan, K. et al. Molecular Characterization of Pathogenicity Gene Homologs in Colletotrichum falcatum Causing Red Rot in Sugarcane. Sugar Tech 19, 563–572 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12355-017-0512-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12355-017-0512-z

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