Comparative proteomics of sugarcane smut fungus - Sporisorium scitamineum unravels dynamic proteomic alterations during the dimorphic transition.

Life cycle of the dimorphic sugarcane smut fungi, Sporisorium scitamineum, involves recognition and mating of compatible saprophytic yeast-like haploid sporidia (MAT-1 and MAT-2) that upon fusion, develop into infective dikaryotic mycelia. Although the dimorphic transition is intrinsically linked with the pathogenicity and virulence of S. scitamineum, it has never been studied using a proteomic approach.

Transcriptome analysis of sugarcane reveals differential switching of major defense signaling pathways in response to isolates with varying virulent attributes.

Sugarcane smut caused by the basidiomycetous fungus is one of the most devastating diseases that affect sugarcane production, globally. At present, the most practical and effective management strategy for the disease is the cultivation of resistant cultivars. In this connection, a detailed understanding of the host's defense mechanism in response to smut isolates with varying degrees of virulence at the molecular level would facilitate the development of reliable and durable smut-resistant sugarcane varieties.

Comparative expression analysis of potential pathogenicity-associated genes of high- and low-virulent isolates during interaction with sugarcane.

Unlabelled: is a teleomorphic, biotrophic fungus causing the globally prevalent sugarcane smut disease in sugarcane. The severity of the disease depends on two major factors, viz. degree of resistance in the host genotype and virulence level of the pathogen.