sRNA Profiling Combined With Gene Function Analysis Reveals a Lack of Evidence for Cross-Kingdom RNAi in the Wheat - Pathosystem.

Cross-kingdom small RNA (sRNA) silencing has recently emerged as a mechanism facilitating fungal colonization and disease development. Here we characterized RNAi pathways in , a major fungal pathogen of wheat, and assessed their contribution to pathogenesis. Computational analysis of fungal sRNA and host mRNA sequencing datasets was used to define the global sRNA populations in and predict their mRNA targets in wheat.

Comparative transcriptomic analyses of Zymoseptoria tritici strains show complex lifestyle transitions and intraspecific variability in transcription profiles.

Zymoseptoria tritici causes Septoria tritici blotch (STB) on wheat. The disease interaction is characterized by clearly defined temporal phases of infection, ultimately resulting in the death of host tissue. Zymoseptoria tritici is a highly polymorphic species with significant intraspecific variation in virulence profiles.

Conditional promoters for analysis of essential genes in Zymoseptoria tritici.

Development of new fungicides, needed for sustainable control of fungal plant pathogens, requires identification of novel anti-fungal targets. Essential fungal-specific proteins are good candidates, but due to their importance, gene deletion mutants are not viable. Consequently, their cellular role often remains elusive.

Libraries for two-hybrid screening of yeast and hyphal growth forms in Zymoseptoria tritici.

Pathogenic fungi are constantly emerging resistance to anti-fungal treatments. Therefore, identification of new fungicide targets is important. Good candidates are essential fungal proteins and their regulators.

Zymoseptoria tritici: A major threat to wheat production, integrated approaches to control.

Syngenta is one of the major agrochemical companies with enormous breadth of technologies in Crop Protection, Seeds and Seed Care. Through an exceptionally broad product range and research investment, we are not only able to provide the grower with integrated offers now but also truly innovative and transformative technologies in the future. In this commentary Syngenta scientists give their views on the key wheat pathogen Zymoseptoria tritici from its business importance in Europe, the way we screen new Z.