biostudies-literatureNordzieke DEDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft1146https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC9231406biostudies-literatureUnknown10(6)Hyphal and germling fusion is a common phenomenon in ascomycetous fungi. Due to the formed hyphal network, this process enables a coordinated development as well as an interaction with plant hosts and efficient nutrient distribution. Recently, our laboratory work demonstrated a positive correlation between germling fusion and the formation of penetrating hyphopodia on maize leaves outgoing from <i>Colletotrichum graminicola</i> oval conidia. To investigate the probable interconnectivity of these processes, we generated a deletion mutant in <i>Cgso</i>, in which homologs are essential for cellular fusion in other fungal species. However, hyphopodia development was not affected, indicating that both processes are not directly connected. Instead, we were able to link the cellular fusion defecMicroorganismsHyphal Fusions Enable Efficient Nutrient Distribution in <i>Colletotrichum graminicola</i> Conidiation and Symptom Development on Maize.PMC9231406NO 1230/3-1 (447175909)Nordzieke DEfalseHyphal Fusions Enable Efficient Nutrient Distribution in <i>Colletotrichum graminicola</i> Conidiation and Symptom Development on Maize.Hyphal and germling fusion is a common phenomenon in ascomycetous fungi. Due to the formed hyphal network, this process enables a coordinated development as well as an interaction with plant hosts and efficient nutrient distribution. Recently, our laboratory work demonstrated a positive correlation between germling fusion and the formation of penetrating hyphopodia on maize leaves outgoing from <i>Colletotrichum graminicola</i> oval conidia. To investigate the probable interconnectivity of these processes, we generated a deletion mutant in <i>Cgso</i>, in which homologs are essential for cellular fusion in other fungal species. However, hyphopodia development was not affected, indicating that both processes are not directly connected. Instead, we were able to link the cellular fusion defec2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Jun2025-04-21T14:21:16.765Z2025-04-21T14:21:16.765ZS-EPMC92314063574466410.3390/microorganisms10061146