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Deconstructing the evolutionary complexity between rust fungi (Pucciniales) and their plant hosts
M C Aime1, C D Bell2, A W Wilson3
1Botany and Plant Pathology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
Studies in Mycology
|June 19, 2018
Summary
Rust fungi (Pucciniales) evolution was shaped by their complex life cycles. The aecial stage, interacting with plant hosts, played a key role in Pucciniales diversification, confirming long-standing hypotheses.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Plant Pathology
Background:
- Rust fungi (Pucciniales) represent the most diverse group of plant pathogens.
- They exhibit exceptionally complex life cycles within the Fungi kingdom.
- Previous hypotheses have proposed different mechanisms of natural selection acting on Pucciniales.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how the aecial and telial stages of rust fungi life cycles differentially impact diversification.
- To test existing hypotheses on natural selection within the Pucciniales.
- To evaluate the role of different life stages in shaping the evolution of rust fungi.
Main Methods:
- Molecular age estimation using multi-locus sequence data.
- Cophylogeny reconciliation analyses to compare fungal and host evolutionary histories.
- Analysis of host-switching patterns across different life stages.
Main Results:
- Diversification timing in Pucciniales correlates with the diversification of their gymnosperm and angiosperm hosts.
- Host reconciliation analyses indicate that the aecial stage's host relationships better mirror Pucciniales systematic relationships.
- This suggests the aecial stage has a relatively greater impact on overall Pucciniales evolution.
Conclusions:
- The aecial stage of the rust fungi life cycle is a significant driver of their diversification.
- Findings support hypotheses proposed by Leppik over 50 years ago regarding rust fungi evolution.
- This study provides the first comprehensive evaluation of how distinct life stages influence Pucciniales evolutionary trajectories.
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