The identification of Mycosphaerella graminicola effectors that promote pathogenicity on wheat

Mycosphaerella graminicola is the causal agent of septoria tritici blotch, a fungal disease of wheat responsible for over one billion dollars in yield losses annually. Existing disease management programs have provided some resistance to the disease, but complementary approaches are needed. In this proposal, a comprehensive analysis of genomes, proteins and metabolites will be undertaken to identify the pathogenicity effectors and mechanisms of M. graminicola. The identified effectors and pathogenicity factors will be functionally characterised using advanced molecular techniques to elucidate their role during disease development. This functional genomics approach will provide a fundamental advance in our understanding of this key pathogen.