Image Credit: Kathryn Bushley
Within the framework of JGI "Community Sequencing Project: Defensive Mutualism of Fungal Root Endophytes of Soybean" CSP project, we are investigating the potential role of fungal endophytes isolated from soybean roots in protecting the plant from two devastating root plant pathogens: 1) the root rot fungus causing Soybean Sudden Death Syndrome (Fusarium virguliforme) and 2) the soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines). These fungi were screened for either anti-fungal or anti-nematode activity in-vitro and genome, transcriptome, and metabolome sequencing will address possible mechanisms of antagonism against these pathogens.
Exophiala is a genus of black yeast-like fungi belonging to the family Herpotrichiellaceae. The genus includes a variety of species that are commonly found in diverse environments, including soil, water, and decaying organic matter. Some Exophiala species are also known to be opportunistic human pathogens, causing infections in immunocompromised individuals.
