Localization, morphology and transcriptional profile of Aspergillus flavus during seed colonization.

ABSTRACT: Aspergillus flavus is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that infects maize kernels pre-harvest, creating major human health concerns and causing substantial agricultural losses. Improved control strategies are needed, yet progress is hampered by the limited understanding of the mechanisms of infection. A series of studies were designed to investigate the localization, morphology and transcriptional profile of A. flavus during internal seed colonization. Results from these studies indicate that A. flavus is capable of infecting all tissues of the immature kernel by 96 h after infection. Mycelia were observed in and around the point of inoculation in the endosperm and were found growing down to the germ. At the endosperm-germ interface, hyphae appeared to differentiate and form a biofilm-like

SUBMITTER: Dolezal AL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6638638 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature