Project description:The objective of this study was on the one hand to compare the transcriptional dynamics of mutualistic Colletotrichum tofieldiae and pathogenic Colletotrichum incanum during colonization of Arabidopsis roots and on the other hand also examine the corresponding host responses Arabidopsis seeds that were either untreated (mock) or inoculated with Colletotrichum tofieldiae (isolate 0861) or Colletotrichum incanum (isolate MAFF230704) were grown in normal (P+) or low (P-) phosphate conditions. Roots (with/without fungal colonization) were collected at 6, 10, 16, and 24 days post inoculation (dpi). Additionally, C. tofieldiae and C. incanum in vitro hyphae were collected after two days growth in liquid Mathurâs medium. For each condition three replicates were obtained.
Project description:Species from the genus Colletotrichum are the causal agents of anthracnose which contribute to significant losses to the production of commercially grown crops. The genomes of Colletotrichum orbiculare, which infects cucurbits and Nicotiana benthamiana, as well as Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, which infects a wide range of fruits and vegetables, were sequenced. A custom microarray was designed for Colletotrichum orbiculare and used to assess gene expression during infection of Nicotiana benthamiana. Gene expression of Colletotrichum orbiculare growing on its host Nicotiana benthamiana was assessed at 24 hours post inoculation, 3 days post inoculation and 7 days post inoculation. Mycelia growing in vitro and ungerminated conidia were used as controls. Three replicates were performed for each time point.
Project description:The hemibiotrophic fungal pathogen Colletotrichum graminicola is the causal agent of anthracnose disease on maize stalks and leaves. After the formation of appressoria the host cell wall is penetrated by the conversion of appressorial turgor pressure into forceful ejection of a penetration peg. Subsequently, C. graminicola establishes biotrophic hyphae in the penetrated epidermis cell at around 36 hours post inoculation (hpi) until a switch of hyphal morphology and lifestyle takes place during the colonization of neighboring host cells at around 72 hpi. During the ensuing necrotrophic growth, dark necrotic lesions are formed that are visible as anthracnose symptoms. We used microarrays to detail the global programme of gene expression during the infection process of Colletotrichum graminicola in its host plant to get insight into the defense response of this compatible interaction and into the metabolic reprogramming needed to supply the fungus with nutrients. In three independent experiments, maize plants were infected with conidia of the Colletotrichum graminicola strain CgM2 by spray inoculation of leaves. Samples from infected leaves were taken at 36 and 96 hours post infection, corresponding to initial biotrophic and necrotrophic phase, respectively. Samples from uninfected control plants were taken at the same time points.
