Publications by authors named "Tara Watkins"
Fusarium head blight (FHB) is one of the most devastating diseases of cereal crops, causing severe reduction in yield and quality of grain worldwide. In the United States, the major causal agent of FHB is the mycotoxigenic fungus, Fusarium graminearum. The contamination of grain with mycotoxins, including deoxynivalenol and zearalenone, is a particularly serious concern due to its impact on the health of humans and livestock.
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- The study focuses on a fungus from the Pezizomycetes class that causes root rot in various dicotyledonous plants, utilizing draft genome sequences to develop simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and identify mating type genes.* -
- Genetic diversity analysis of 72 isolates and spore mats from multiple locations and crops revealed 41 distinct genotypes, showing the effectiveness of the SSR markers developed.* -
- The fungus is identified as heterothallic, with both mating types present in a 1:1 ratio in the U.S., and can coexist within the same spore mat, indicating its potential for sexual reproduction and urging further exploration of its sexual morphs.*