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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 23, 2026

A Rapid and Efficient Method for Assessing Pathogenicity of Ustilago maydis on Maize and Teosinte Lines

A Rapid and Efficient Method for Assessing Pathogenicity of Ustilago maydis on Maize and Teosinte Lines

Published on: January 3, 2014

Ustilago maydis as a Pathogen.

Thomas Brefort¹, Gunther Doehlemann, Artemio Mendoza-Mendoza

¹Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology, Department of Organismic Interactions, D-35043 Marburg, Germany.

Annual Review of Phytopathology

|April 30, 2009

Summary

The Ustilago maydis-maize pathosystem is a key model for plant pathogenic fungi, enabling study of biotrophic interactions. Research advances understanding of pathogen effectors and comparative genomics for related species.

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Genetic Manipulation of the Plant Pathogen Ustilago maydis to Study Fungal Biology and Plant Microbe Interactions

Genetic Manipulation of the Plant Pathogen Ustilago maydis to Study Fungal Biology and Plant Microbe Interactions

Published on: September 30, 2016

Area of Science:

Plant Pathology
Mycology
Genetics

Background:

The Ustilago maydis-maize pathosystem is a leading model for plant pathogenic basidiomycetes.
It represents a true biotrophic interaction, persisting throughout fungal development within the host.
This model benefits from advanced genetics in both pathogen and host, and U. maydis's ability to grow in culture.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the Ustilago maydis-maize pathosystem's prominent features and key genes/pathways in disease development.
To highlight advancements in understanding secreted effector functions in eukaryotic pathogens.
To explore applications for related fungal species using comparative genomics.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on the Ustilago maydis-maize pathosystem.
Analysis of genetic systems and pathogenic mechanisms.
Comparative genomics approaches for related species.

Main Results:

The U. maydis-maize system allows rapid induction of disease symptoms (tumors) on maize.
It is crucial for studying biotrophic interactions and fungal effector functions.
Recent developments position this system at the forefront of eukaryotic pathogen research.

Conclusions:

The U. maydis-maize model is invaluable for understanding biotrophic plant pathogens.
It provides insights applicable to related fungi like rusts and other smuts.
Comparative genomics will expand the utility of this model system for broader fungal research.