Gray mold (caused by Botrytis cinerea)

Genetic and Genomic Analysis Identifies bcltf1 as the Transcription Factor Coding Gene Mutated in Field Isolate Bc116, Deficient in Light Responses, Differentiation and Pathogenicity in Botrytis cinerea

mycolabadmin

Researchers studied a weak strain of gray mold fungus found in Spanish vineyards to understand why it cannot infect plants when exposed to light. Using genetic analysis, they discovered that the weakness is caused by a mutation in a single gene called bcltf1, which normally helps the fungus sense light and decide when to grow or reproduce. By restoring this gene in mutant strains, scientists confirmed its importance for fungal virulence and light responses, providing insights that could eventually help develop better disease control strategies.

Genetic and Genomic Analysis Identifies bcltf1 as the Transcription Factor Coding Gene Mutated in Field Isolate Bc116, Deficient in Light Responses, Differentiation and Pathogenicity in Botrytis cinerea

mycolabadmin

Scientists discovered that a particular gray mold fungus collected from vineyards loses its ability to cause disease when exposed to light. They found this is due to a mutation in a single gene called bcltf1, which acts as a light-sensing control switch. When they restored this gene, the fungus regained its disease-causing ability. This discovery helps explain how fungal pathogens sense light and use it to decide when and how to infect plants.

Disease: Gray mold (caused by Botrytis cinerea)

Genetic and Genomic Analysis Identifies bcltf1 as the Transcription Factor Coding Gene Mutated in Field Isolate Bc116, Deficient in Light Responses, Differentiation and Pathogenicity in Botrytis cinerea

Genetic and Genomic Analysis Identifies bcltf1 as the Transcription Factor Coding Gene Mutated in Field Isolate Bc116, Deficient in Light Responses, Differentiation and Pathogenicity in Botrytis cinerea