Project Number: 1275-22000-198-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Jan 12, 2003
End Date: Oct 31, 2007

Objective:
1. Use molecular and morphological characteristics to develop a phylogeny of bunt fungi and related groups on cultivated grains and wild grasses. 2. Analyze relationships among species of Diaporthe and Phomopsis and the sexual and asexual states of related canker-causing fungi in the chestnut blight order and determine species and species-groups based on morphological and molecular characteristics.

Approach:
Species of Tilletia will be collected from around the world. Each specimen will be characterized morphologically. Molecular data will be obtained for each isolate. The LSU nrDNA, the EF1-alpha, actin, and RPB1 and RPB2 genes will be sequenced and analyzed. Species concepts will be defined based on both morphological and molecular data. Species will be described and illustrated in monographic publications and keys prepared for the on-line identification of species of Tilletia and related genera. Strains of Phomopsis-Diaporthe will be obtained through isolation from recently collected material. Specimens and isolates will be examined to determine morphological characteristics of microscopic and colony features. For determining species relationships within Phomopsis-Diaporthe and relationships to other genera in the Diaporthales, the conserved regions of the LSU nrDNA DNA, EF1-alpha, and RPB1 and RPB2 genes will be sequenced. Morphological and molecular data will be analyzed to determine species and genera concepts. Taxonomic monographs will be published and made available as on-line resources.

Project Team

Castlebury, Lisa Farr, David - Dave Rossman, Amy Aime, Mary

Project Annual Reports

FY 2003

Related National Programs

Plant Diseases (303)   Crop Protection & Quarantine (304)

Related Projects

Technical Support for Research on the Systematics of Plant Quarantine Significant Fungi