Genome of Fungal Threat to Rice Crop Sequenced

Researchers at the International Rice Blast Genome Consortium at North Carolina State University have unravelled the genome of Magnaporthe grisea, one of the worst threats to the world�s rice crop. Scientists hope the work will uncover new methods of control for the pest. It is the first pathogenic plant fungus to have its genetic code sequenced.

Magnaporthe grisea is widespread and responsible for great losses in the rice harvests of several nations. Cousins of the fungus infect 50 other types of grasses, some of which are agriculturally significant.

Scientists were struck by the diversity of the fungus' genes and its ability to create proteins. The pathogen is believed to be capable of producing twice as many proteins as other researched fungi. Understanding the special proteins that are involved in its ability to penetrate its hosts may present new methods of control for the fungus.

Links:

• Rice Menace Surrenders Gene Secrets from The Standard, China’s Business Newspaper



• Riceblast.org website of the International Rice Blast Genome Consortium

Posted by Eric La Fountaine at 4:48 PM on May 25, 2005

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