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Global migration patterns in the fungal wheat pathogen Phaeosphaeria nodorum
Eva H Stukenbrock1, Søren Banke, Bruce A McDonald
1Institute of Integrative Biology, Plant Pathology, ETH Zurich, LFW, Universitätstrasse 2, CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland. eva.strukenbrock@agrl.ethz.ch
Molecular Ecology
|August 17, 2006
Summary
Global migration of the fungal wheat pathogen Phaeosphaeria nodorum shows high genetic diversity. Recent divergence and ongoing gene flow shape its population structure, with Europe, China, and North America as key sources.
Area of Science:
- Plant pathology
- Population genetics
- Fungal genomics
Background:
- Phaeosphaeria nodorum is a significant fungal pathogen affecting wheat crops globally.
- Understanding its population structure and migration is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the global migration patterns and population structure of Phaeosphaeria nodorum.
- To investigate the roles of recent divergence and gene flow in shaping its genetic diversity.
Main Methods:
- Microsatellite analysis of 12 loci across 693 isolates from nine global populations.
- Application of an isolation-with-migration model to genetic data.
Main Results:
- High genetic diversity and low continental subdivision were observed in P. nodorum populations.
- Continental populations diverged recently, with significant gene flow reducing differentiation.
- Immigration primarily originated from European, Chinese, and North American populations.
Conclusions:
- P. nodorum exhibits recent divergence coupled with substantial migration, leading to its current genetic structure.
- Global migration patterns are influenced by gene flow from specific continental sources.
- These findings have implications for predicting and controlling wheat diseases caused by P. nodorum.
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