Using single-cell transcriptomics to understand plant disease

With the human population projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, the looming challenge of feeding the rapidly growing population is threatened by plant pathogens, which cause significant losses in crop yield each year. While controlling microbial pathogens is essential for sustainable agriculture and global food security, developing durable disease resistance requires a deep understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying pathogenesis.

Details

Investigating host penetration by the rice blast fungus

The world’s food supply is under pressure from climate change, shortages of water as well as agriculture pests and diseases. One of the most devastating diseases of rice is caused by blast fungus (Magnaporthe oryzae), which also is the causal agent of the recent wheat blast outbreak in Asia.

Details

Identification of novel virulence determinants in the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae

Rice blast disease is one of the most serious diseases affecting rice cultivation around the world, destroying enough rice each year to feed 60 million people. The disease is caused by the fungus Magnaporthe (Syn. Pyricularia) oryzae, which also threatens wheat and millet production, affecting Asia and Africa in particular.

Details