Characterization of virulence factors in Golovinomyces ambrosiae, the causal agent of powdery mildew disease​

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Affecting more than 10,000 species worldwide, powdery mildew is one of the most common plant diseases. Among the numerous fungal pathogens capable of causing this disease, Golovinomyces ambrosiae infects several agronomically important ornamental crops as well as hemp. The growth of fungal mycelium on the surface of aerial plant organs directly affects product quality and marketability, potentially leading to complete crop downgrading. 

It is widely recognized that genetic control strategies based on the use of plant resistance genes (NLRs) represent the most effective solution for managing this disease. This approach relies on the gene-for-gene interaction model, which states that a plant resistance gene can prevent disease development only when the pathogen carries a corresponding avirulence (Avr) gene. Consequently, the identification of Avr genes is crucial for validating the effectiveness of different resistance sources in the host plant.​ Through the assembly and annotation of the first G. ambrosiae genome, this project aims to identify and characterize the full repertoire of candidate avirulence genes in this pathogen. By conducting comparative genomic analyses of multiple pathogen strains, the genetic diversity of these genes will also be investigated. The data generated by this project will be essential for deciphering NLR-Avr molecular interactions and, in practical terms, for determining which resistance genes can be effectively deployed according to the pathogen strain present in a given production area.