Genome Comparisons between and the Closely Related Gray Mold Fungus Reveal Possible Explanations for Their Contrasting Host Ranges.

While causes gray mold on many plants, its close relative, , is host-specifically infecting predominantly faba bean plants. To explore the basis for its narrow host range, a gapless genome sequence of strain G12 (BfabG12) was generated. The BfabG12 genome encompasses 45.

Deciphering the Genome to Discover Effector Genes Possibly Involved in Virulence.

Brown rot is the most economically important fungal disease of stone fruits and is primarily caused by and . Both species co-occur in European orchards although is considered to cause the most severe yield losses in stone fruit. This study aimed to generate a high-quality genome of and to exploit it to identify genes that may contribute to pathogen virulence.

Dynamics in Secondary Metabolite Gene Clusters in Otherwise Highly Syntenic and Stable Genomes in the Fungal Genus Botrytis.

Fungi of the genus Botrytis infect >1,400 plant species and cause losses in many crops. Besides the broad host range pathogen Botrytis cinerea, most other species are restricted to a single host. Long-read technology was used to sequence genomes of eight Botrytis species, mostly pathogenic on Allium species, and the related onion white rot fungus, Sclerotium cepivorum.

Comparative genomics of plant pathogenic Botrytis species with distinct host specificity.

Background: Fungi of the genus Botrytis (presently containing ~ 35 species) are able to infect more than 1400 different plant species and cause losses in a wide range of crops of economic importance. The best studied species is B. cinerea, which has a broad host range and is one of the best studied necrotrophic plant pathogenic fungi.

The obligate alkalophilic soda-lake fungus Sodiomyces alkalinus has shifted to a protein diet.

Sodiomyces alkalinus is one of the very few alkalophilic fungi, adapted to grow optimally at high pH. It is widely distributed at the plant-deprived edges of extremely alkaline lakes and locally abundant. We sequenced the genome of S.

Spatio-temporal patterns of genetic variation in Arbacia lixula, a thermophilous sea urchin in expansion in the Mediterranean.

The genetic structure of 13 populations of the amphiatlantic sea urchin Arbacia lixula, as well as temporal genetic changes in three of these localities, were assessed using ten hypervariable microsatellite loci. This thermophilous sea urchin is an important engineer species triggering the formation of barren grounds through its grazing activity. Its abundance seems to be increasing in most parts of the Mediterranean, probably favoured by warming conditions.

Experimental evolution to increase the efficacy of the entomopathogenic fungus against malaria mosquitoes: Effects on mycelial growth and virulence.

Entomopathogenic fungi such as are currently considered as a potential control agent for malaria mosquitoes. The success of such strategies depends among others on the efficacy of the fungus to kill its hosts. As can use various resources for growth and reproduction, increasing the dependency on mosquitoes as a nutritional source may be instrumental for reaching this goal.

Comparative genomics of Beauveria bassiana: uncovering signatures of virulence against mosquitoes.

Background: Entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana are promising biological agents for control of malaria mosquitoes. Indeed, infection with B. bassiana reduces the lifespan of mosquitoes in the laboratory and in the field.

Genes involved in virulence of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana.

Pest insects cause severe damage to global crop production and pose a threat to human health by transmitting diseases. Traditionally, chemical pesticides (insecticides) have been used to control such pests and have proven to be effective only for a limited amount of time because of the rapid spread of genetic insecticide resistance. The basis of this resistance is mostly caused by (co)dominant mutations in single genes, which explains why insecticide use alone is an unsustainable solution.

Natural variation in virulence of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana against malaria mosquitoes.

Background: Insecticide resistance is greatly hampering current efforts to control malaria and therefore alternative methods are needed. Entomopathogenic fungi have been proposed as an alternative with a special focus on the cosmopolitan species Beauveria bassiana. However, few studies have analysed the effects of natural variation within fungal isolates on mosquito survival, and the implications and possible exploitation for malaria control.