Progress in understanding fungal diseases affecting sugarcane: smut

Publication date: 05/03/2018
Extent: 24 pages

Contributions by: Claudia B. Monteiro Vitorello, Patricia Dayane Carvalho Schaker, Juliana Benevenuto, Natália de Sousa Teixeira e Silva and Sintia Silva de Almeida , University of São Paulo, Brazil

Chapter synopsis: Amongst the relevant issues impacting sugarcane agricultural practices are fungal diseases, such as sugarcane smut, that constitute a worldwide threat to the cultivation. Smut is caused by the biotrophic fungus Sporisorium scitamineum. After providing a historical perspective on the disease, this chapter will present an overview of data gathered over the past few years using ‘omics’ techniques (genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics) in combination with functional studies performed to identify candidate genes involved in the interaction. The chapter will discuss different aspects of the knowledge generated for each pathosystem and will consider data from various studies aiming at deciphering the molecular cross-talking between host and pathogen along with new trends and recurring issues in the study of smut disease.

DOI: 10.19103/AS.2017.0035.33