Mining Indole Alkaloid Synthesis Gene Clusters from Genomes of 53 Strains Revealed Redundant Gene Copies and an Approximate Evolutionary Hourglass Model.

Ergot fungi ( spp.) are infamous for producing sclerotia containing a wide spectrum of ergot alkaloids (EA) toxic to humans and animals, making them nefarious villains in the agricultural and food industries, but also treasures for pharmaceuticals. In addition to three classes of EAs, several species also produce paspaline-derived indole diterpenes (IDT) that cause ataxia and staggers in livestock.

Whole-Genome Comparisons of Ergot Fungi Reveals the Divergence and Evolution of Species within the Genus Claviceps Are the Result of Varying Mechanisms Driving Genome Evolution and Host Range Expansion.

The genus Claviceps has been known for centuries as an economically important fungal genus for pharmacology and agricultural research. Only recently have researchers begun to unravel the evolutionary history of the genus, with origins in South America and classification of four distinct sections through ecological, morphological, and metabolic features (Claviceps sects. Citrinae, Paspalorum, Pusillae, and Claviceps).

Sympatric divergence of the ergot fungus, , populations infecting agricultural and nonagricultural grasses in North America.

The ergot diseases of agricultural and nonagricultural grasses are caused by the infection of spp. (Hypocreales, Ascomycota) on florets, producing dark spur-like sclerotia on spikes that are toxic to humans and animals, leading to detrimental impacts on agriculture and economy due to the downgrading of cereal grains, import-export barriers, reduced yield, and ecological concerns. At least seven phylogenetic lineages (phylogenetic species) were identified within the premolecular concept of s.

Four phylogenetic species of ergot from Canada and their characteristics in morphology, alkaloid production, and pathogenicity.

Four ergot species (, and ) were recognized based on analyses of DNA sequences from multiple loci, including two housekeeping genes, RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (), and translation elongation factor 1-α (), and a single-copy ergot alkaloid synthesis gene () encoding chanoclavine I synthase oxidoreductase. Morphological features, ergot alkaloid production, and pathogenicity on five common cereal crops of each species were evaluated and presented in taxonomic descriptions. A synoptic key was also provided for identification.

Ergochromes: Heretofore Neglected Side of Ergot Toxicity.

Ergot, fungal genus , are worldwide distributed grass pathogens known for their production of toxic ergot alkaloids (EAs) and the great agricultural impact they have on both cereal crop and farm animal production. EAs are traditionally considered as the only factor responsible for ergot toxicity. Using broad sampling covering 13 ergot species infecting wild or agricultural grasses (including cereals) across Europe, USA, New Zealand, and South Africa we showed that the content of ergochrome pigments were comparable to the content of EAs in sclerotia.

The new family Septorioideaceae, within the Botryosphaeriales and Septorioides strobi as a new species associated with needle defoliation of Pinus strobus in the United States.

Recent sampling of eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) affected by white pine needle defoliation (WPND) within the northeastern U.S. has found that a putative new species, closely related to Septorioides pini-thunbergii, was the most frequently isolated species.

Emergence of white pine needle damage in the northeastern United States is associated with changes in pathogen pressure in response to climate change.

The defoliation of the eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) across the northeastern United States is an escalating concern threatening the ecological health of northern forests and economic vitality of the region's lumber industry. First documented in the spring of 2010 affecting 24 328 hectares in the state of Maine, white pine needle damage (WPND) has continued to spread and is now well established in all New England states. While causal agents of WPND are known, current research is lacking in both sampling distribution and the specific environmental factor(s) that affect the development and spread of this disease complex.