ARS | Publication request: EVOLUTION OF HOST SPECIFICITY IN FUSARIUM OXYSPORUM

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: October 10, 2000
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: This review summarizes the findings of genetic diversity studies on the fungal plant pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum, that have been conducted in the last 10 years. The review centers on sub-specific categories ("formae speciales") defined by host range that have been the focus of many of these studies. Because, increasingly, phylogenetic studies indicate that formae speciales are not monophyletic, the validity of the current system for classifying the fungus by host range is questioned. Several models are presented for the evolution of host range and for interpreting previous genetic data on this important plant pathogenic fungus.