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The Science Seminar Series: October 14, 2010
Evolution and molecular mechanisms of fungicide resistance in peanut leaf spot pathogens
Dr. Katherine Stevenson
Department of Plant Pathology
University of Georgia
Student Union Theater
Time: 4:00 -5:00pm
Large scale commercial production of peanuts in the humid southeastern US relies on fungicides for management of foliar and soilborne fungal diseases. However, effectiveness of some fungicides has declined significantly over the past 10 years, due to the development of resistance in pathogen populations. Results of in vitro bioassays have confirmed a gradual, but significant decline in sensitivity of the peanut leaf spot pathogens to the sterol biosynthesis-inhibiting fungicide tebuconazole, in particular. Further investigations of the molecular and physiological mechanisms of DMI resistance in the early leaf spot pathogen have revealed mutations in the CYP51 gene of the fungus that may be responsible for resistance of some isolates to tebuconazole.