We have selected mutants that are altered in regulation of developmentally expressed genes. These mutants constitutively express con -10 during mycelial growth. Many of these mutants are blocked in conidia formation. Characterization of these mutants will lead to an understanding of the environmental signals that induce conidia formation and provide insight into the regulatory hierarchy involved in the control of spore formation. Another project deals with the interaction of the rice blast fungus, Magnaporthe grisea , with its host.
Rice blast is a major economic disease worldwide.
We have identified a gene that is required for efficient formation of infection structures on the plant surface. The gene encodes a small cysteine-rich protein that is a member of a class of proteins called hydrophobins. We are examining the expression pattern of this gene and the role of this protein in infection structure formation. Representative Publications Corrochano, L.M., Lauter, F-R., Ebbole, D.J., and Yanofsky, C. 1994. Light and developmental regulation of the gene con-10 of Neurospora crassa .