This project involves exploring the uniqueness of an early expression pattern that has previously been observed with the mycotoxin dothistromin, using selected plant pathogens with Mycosphaerella teleomorphs. Dothistromin is unusual in that it is synthesised at an early stage of exponential growth in the pine needle pathogen Dothistroma septosporum. By studying how this synthesis is regulated, we anticipate finding clues to the role of this toxin in plant disease.

Mycotoxin synthesis is also being investigated in a related plant pathogenic fungus that makes dothistromin. Using molecular and cellular approaches, the genetic basis of dothistromin biosynthesis and its regulation are being analysed in the peanut leaf spot pathogen Passalora arachidicola.

Another aspect of this project is to commence chemical and genetic analysis of toxins in some other forest pathogens. Many other plant pathogens also produce toxins, but very little is known about toxins produced by eucalyptus leaf pathogens in the genus Mycosphaerella. Hence, in collaboration with an Italian group the production of toxins by some of these species is under investigation.

This project is funded by the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC).

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