Chance and selection in the evolution of barley mildew

Trends Microbiol. 1994 Dec;2(12):470-5. doi: 10.1016/0966-842x(94)90650-5.

Abstract

Populations of the barley powdery mildew fungus are genetically very diverse. However, when a new resistance gene is introduced into barley to control mildew, the population of the pathogen may respond by rapid growth of a few virulent clones. These phases of rapid clonal evolution cause radical changes in the frequencies of mildew genotypes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biological Evolution*
  • Clone Cells
  • Fungi / genetics
  • Fungi / pathogenicity*
  • Genetic Variation
  • Hordeum / microbiology*
  • Immunity, Innate / genetics
  • Mycoses / microbiology*
  • Selection, Genetic*
  • Virulence / genetics