Early development of Moniliophthora perniciosa basidiomata and developmentally regulated genes.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The hemibiotrophic fungus Moniliophthora perniciosa is the causal agent of Witches' broom, a disease of Theobroma cacao. The pathogen life cycle ends with the production of basidiocarps in dead tissues of the infected host. This structure generates millions of basidiospores that reinfect young tissues of the same or other plants. A deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying the sexual phase of this fungus may help develop chemical, biological or genetic strategies to control the disease.

Results

Mycelium was morphologically analyzed prior to emergence of basidiomata by stereomicroscopy, light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The morphological changes in the mycelium before fructification show a pattern similar to other members of the order Agari

SUBMITTER: Pires AB 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2782264 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature