Comparative Genomics of Aspergillus flavus S and L Morphotypes Yield Insights into Niche Adaptation.

ABSTRACT: Aspergillus flavus, the primary causal agent for aflatoxin contamination on crops, consists of isolates with two distinct morphologies: isolates of the S morphotype produce numerous small sclerotia and lower numbers of conidia while isolates of the L morphotype produce fewer large sclerotia and abundant conidia. The morphotypes also differ in aflatoxin production with S isolates consistently producing high concentrations of aflatoxin, whereas L isolates range from atoxigenic to highly toxigenic. The production of abundant sclerotia by the S morphotype suggests adaptation for long-term survival in the soil, whereas the production of abundant conidia by the L morphotype suggests adaptation for aerial dispersal to the phyllosphere. To identify genomic changes that support

SUBMITTER: Ohkura M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6288828 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature