Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Accomplishments (1991-2002): Initiated in 1991 (first meeting - January 1992), and renewed in 1994 and 1998, the NCR-173 group began by focusing on the genetics and biochemistry of host-parasite interactions in the model fungal system Colletotrichum. Studies centered around this genus because collectively, Colletotrichum species cause disease on virtually every agricultural plant grown worldwide, and therefore, is an important economic pathogen. In addition, Colletotrichum species are easy to maintain and manipulate in culture, numerous research laboratories worldwide study this genus, and plant bioassays, biochemical, molecular, and genetic protocols have been optimized in several of these species. By focusing our efforts on a single genus, an enormous amount of information spanning the period of 1991-2002 was quickly obtained from the various labs. The exchange of ideas and data in subsequent meetings allowed us to begin building the foundation for understanding the basis of plant-fungal interactions. Major areas of research have focused on classical genetic analysis, intercellular communication between fungal and plant cells, molecular systematics of this genus, chromosomal analysis, molecular transformation of these fungi, and genetic aspects of disease. These developments occurred, in large part, as a result of concerted interactions among the participants of NCR-173 both during and subsequent to the annual meetings. The resulting collaborations established allowed for the efficient exchange of information, coordinate research efforts and management strategies regarding host-fungal interactions between numerous laboratories in an efficient manner, which separately, would not have been possible. In 2002, NCR-173 group agreed to changed their name to Biochemistry and Genetics of Plant-Fungal Interactions to reflect the shift in emphasis from Colletotrichum to encompass a number of other pathogenic fungal genera such as Alternaria, Fusarium, Sclerotinia, Cochliobolus, Pyrenophera, Monolinia, Ustilago, Magnaporthe, Aspergillus, and Curvularia. Over time, we have found that the inclusion of scientists studying pathogenesis in other fungal systems has been of tremendous value. With the increasing scientific diversity in our membership, the title of our group we felt would more accurately reflect the extended focus of our committee. (2003-present): We have continually stressed interdisciplinary activities, which are clearly reflected in the make up of our participants. Membership in NCR-173 includes classical geneticists, population biologists, evolutionary biologists, molecular biologists, physiologists, mycotoxicologists, plant molecular biologists, field epidemiologists, and pest management scientists. Thus, this is an exceptional collaborative interaction between a blend of basic and applied scientists representing land grant universities, private industry and government. Collectively, the interdisciplinary nature and concurrent study of several fungal systems the NCR-173 meetings has allowed several laboratories to make great advances. Studies of these fungi (listed above) were chosen because they represent diverse genera in which major areas of research from labs worldwide are focused. Collectively, these fungi express several different pathogenic lifestyles (biotrophy, hemibiotrophy, and necrotrophy), may show tissue specificity or microhabitat preferences, and produce toxins and/or extracellular enzymes involved in pathogenicity. In addition, classical genetic analysis, biochemical, molecular, and applied field studies addressing plant-fungal interactions are presently being addressed in these systems. By widening our scope from a single model system to encompass several model systems, the information shared will allow us to compile and analyze a great deal of information regarding the universal similarities and unique differences involved in pathogenesis. In so doing, NCR-173 will broaden its scope and generate new synergisms and what was once an individualistic approach, will now take on a synergetic momentum. Committee Objectives 1. Expand the scope of NCR-173 by including scientists that study the genetics and biochemistry of pathogenesis in several different economically important fungal genera (Alternaria, Fusarium, Sclerotinia, Cochliobolus, Pyrenophera, Monolinia, Ustilago, Magnaporthe, Aspergillus, Colletotrichum, Curvularia). Accomplishment to date: The committee has widened its scope of interest to all of fungal genera listed above (see pervious meeting talks 2003- present). 2. Continue the coordination of basic genetics and molecular research on Colletotrichum spp. and Colletotrichum-induced diseases, and expand this coordination to include the economically important fungal genera named in objective 1. Accomplishment to date: The committee has widened its scope of interest to all of fungal genera listed above as reflected in the collaborations established, joint manuscripts published (see below), and grants funded. 3. Improve genetic resources and molecular manipulation by expanding the existing Colletotrichum germplasm repository to include other fungal genera (listed above) , and apply the advances made in molecular manipulation of Colletotrichum spp. to these other fungal genera. Accomplishment to date: The committee has expanded the existing fungal germplasm repository to include all of the other fungal genera listed above. Advances in molecular manipulations have been successfully applied to other fungal genera as indicated in single and joint previous (see below) and present publications (see publication 2005- present list). One of the major benefits of NCR-173 is establishing and maintaining a culture repository so everyone can work with the same isolates and use standard isolates for comparative purposes. This standardization has allowed many of us to avoid generating strain-specific data that could not be compared to other laboratories. (http://www.uark.edu:80/depts/plant/) 4. Integrate research findings about the biology of plant-fungal interactions with new information about the basic resistance mechanisms in host plants, thereby providing field pathologists and agronomists with improved management strategies against plant pathogens. Accomplishment to date: Numerous field research collaborations (previous and present) have been established between labs that have given pathologists and agronomists new insights to improve management strategies against fungal disease (see present and past joint publication list below). 5. Explore new funding possibilities to enhance activities. Accomplishment to date: Open panel discussions during and after the committee meetings have provided information to researchers about new and existing funding possibilities. Joint grants have been successfully obtained (see statement of impact) in this manner allowing for collaborative activities to be possible. 6. Establish an effective website platform for effective exchange of ideas and information. Accomplishment to date: An NCR-173 website has been established (http://www.uark.edu:80/depts/plant/) for the germplasm repository. Presently, a new website is being constructed by the chair Regina Redman for NCR-173 members to effectively exchange ideas and information (data, photos, publications, and so on). This website will be available to all members as a tool to facilitate the ease of information exchange, and foster the establishment of new and ongoing collaborations. Previous (1999-2004) Collaborative Manuscripts Written/Published Several of the members of NCR-173 have collaborated on a manuscript describing the use of the Green Fluorescent Protein in studies of plant-fungal interactions. This manuscript has been published in "Applied and Environmental Microbiology" and represents a multi-laboratory effort, and the spirit of cooperation that NCR-173 is built on. 1. Lorang, J.M., Tuori, R.P. , Martinez, J.P., Sawyer, T.L., Redman, R.S., Rollins, J.A., Wolpert, T.J., Johnson, K.B., Rodriguez, R.J., Dickman, M. B., and Ciuffetti, L.M. 2001. Green fluorescent protein is lighting up fungal biology. Appl. Env. Microbiol. 67: 1987-1994, Additional manuscripts resulting from collaborations established through NCR-173 include: 2. Redman, R.S., Litvintseva, A., Sheehan, K.B., Henson, J.H., and Rodriguez, R.J. 1999. Fungi from geothermal soils of Yellowstone National Park . Applied and Environmental Microbiology 65:5193-5197 3. Rodriguez, R.J. and Redman, R.S. 2000. Colletotrichum as a model system for defining the genetic basis of fungal symbiotic lifestyles. In Host specificity, pathology and host pathogen interactions of Colletotrichum. D. Prusky, S. Freeman, and M. Dickman, eds. APS press pg. 114-130. 4. Redman, R.S., Dunigan, D.D., and Rodriguez, R.J. 2001. Fungal symbiosis: from mutualis to parasitism, who controls the outcome, host or invader? New Phytologist 151,705-716. 5. Redman, R.S., Rossinck, M.R., Maher, S., Andrews, Q.C., Schneider, W.L. and Rodriguez, R.J. 2002. Field performance of cucurbit and tomato plants infected with a nonpathogenic mutant of Colletotrichum magna (teleomorph: Glomerella magna; Jenkins and Winstead). Symbiosis 32:55-70 6. Redman, R.S., Sheehan, K.B., Stout, R.G., Rodriguez, R.J., and Henson, J.H. 2002. Plant thermotolerance conferred by fungal endophyte. Science 298: 1581. 7. Redman, R.S. and Rodriguez, R.J. 2003. Characterization and Isolation of an Extracellular Serine Protease from the Tomato Pathogen Colletotrichum coccodes (Wallr.), and its Role in Pathogenicity. Mycological Research 106:1427-1434. 8. Yarden, O., Ebbole, D. J., Freeman, S., Rodriguez, R. J. and Dickman, M.B. 2003. Fungal Biology and Agriculture: Revisiting the Field. Molecular Plant Microbe Interactions, 16:859 866. 9. Redberg, G.L., Hibbett, D.S., Ammirati, J.F., and Rodriguez, R.J. 2003. Bridgeoporus nobilissimus: Phylogeny and genetic diversity through PCR amplification of mitochondrial and nuclear rDNA. Mycologia, 95:836-845. 10. Rodriguez, R.J., Cullen, D., Kurtzman, C., Khachatourians G. and Hegedus D. 2004. Molecular methods for discriminating taxa, monitoring species, and assessing fungal diversity. In Biodiversity of Fungi: Inventory and Monitoring Methods. Mueller, G. M., G. F. Bills, and M. S. Foster, eds. Elsevier Academic Press, Oxford, U.K. pp77-102. 11. Rodriguez, R.J., Redman R.S., Henson, J.M. 2004. The Role of Fungal Symbioses in the Adaptation of Plants to High Stress Environments. Mitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change, 9:261-272. *For 2005-present publication list of participant members, see Publication List in NIMSS website (www.lgu.umd.edu) Plans for the coming year (2006) 1. Use of information technology: Establish and expand the existing interactive website in which information can be shared. This will allow for easy, inexpensive access of information to all members pertaining to the exchange of ideas, coordination of laboratory and field research, protocols, contacts, meeting highlights, schedules, publications, and the fungal repository. 2. Coordination of specific laboratory and field research: Streamline experimental designs to address hypothesis driven questions applicable to all systems. Enhance data collection, analysis, and interpretation utilizing a multi-disciplinary approach. Coordination of studies and communication via a website based platform, will result in rapid accumulation and sharing of information to better understand the processes involved in plant - fungal interactions. 3. Exchange of ideas/information/data/reagents: Enhance productivity and save time and money by sharing of resources and ideas through a website based platform. Stimulate alternative approaches to obtain data and address specific questions and/or problems. Foster an environment that is collaborative, accessible, and mutually beneficial. 4. Publication of both individual and joint research/review articles: Enhance the available information base allowing for the better understanding of plant-fungal interactions. Ultimately, this information will be used to provide guidance for the development of management tools to enhance economic productivity and promote environmental stewardship. 5. Standardization of experimental protocols: Enhance reproducibility, analysis, and conformity of procedures by posting protocols on a website based platform. Standardization will promote consistency in interpretations of data which will save time and money. 6. Fungal repsoitory: Members will be nominated to expand and continue the existing fungal repositiry. Discussions will be held to determine the number, extent, protocols, and funding required to establish/expand the fungal repositiry. 7. Joint grants: During the 2005 meeting, many members expressed a similar interest in studies involving the sequencing of various fungal genomes. It was agreed that members should organize submission of a joint grant in the coming year as a possible funding source. Several collaborative grants ispired by precious committee meeting were prepared and several funded (see list of participant grants funded below). 8. Recruitment of new members: It was agreed that members would submit names durig the course this next year of colleagues for recruitment to the NCR-173 group. Addition of new and established colleagues will add diversity to the group and offer new avenues for insights into research, information exchange and the fostering of new collaborations. 8. Election of new officers: After 5 years of service, Regina Redman (Chair) and Rusty Rodriguez (Secretary) of NCR-173 will step down and new officers will be elected in 2006. The offices will be held for a term of 3-5 years. 7. Annual meeting: Rusty Rodriguez will host the next meeting. The exact location will be determined at a later date. All members agreed that a meeting date between the months of September-November would be best. Personal Comments from Members 2005 meeting: Marilyn Roossinck: This talk generated extensive discussion about possible mechanisms, etc., and a chance for me to interact with mycologist collaborators Rusty Rodriguez and Regina Redman. In addition, during the talk of Barbara Valent, I realized that we had a perfect GFP expression system for her to use in her rice experiments, to help localize the plasmodesmata. Barbara and I have since exchanged several emails on this topic, and we have sent her the vector she needed. Barbara Valent: In addition to lively and fruitful discussion of the Valent presentation, an unexpected and extremely valuable collaboration was established. The Valent laboratory had been trying to locate a chimeric fluorescent viral movement protein that moves in rice tissue, and Marilyn Roossinck responded that she had one! Since the November meeting, the Valent lab obtained the Roossinck construct and has initiated studies with it. Nancy Keller: A possible collaboration has arisen between our lab and Marilyn Roossinck. I am sending my graduate student to her lab next month to learn how to clone fungal viruses. Jeff Rollins: The exchange of ideas pertaining to the dynamic levels of feeding interactions between fungi and plants and the factors influencing them, fosters new critical thinking among the group members. These ideas will lead to new projects for federal funding and perhaps emerge as new paradigms for understanding fungal-plant interactions. Lisa Vaillancourt: Lynda Ciuffettis GFP construct was used to produce a new Agrobacterium binary vector containing the same GFP-TOXA promoter cassette. This work was published (Schardl et al., 2005, see publication list. Regina Redman: A collaboration was established between myself and Lisa Vaillancourt to determine if our fungal lifestlye gene disruption vector (fsl) would be able to convert wildtype pathogenic Colletotrichum graminicola into non-pathogenic mutualists. In addition, the meeting provided for me the opportunity to re-establish a collaboration with Lynda Ciuffetti. During the course of this next year, she will be involved in transforming several fungal endophytes of interest with her GFP vector constructs to look at fungal colonization in plants. Lastly, the meeting afforded the opportunity to reconfirm, discuss, design and extend two existing collaborations between myself and: 1)Rusty Rodriguez looking at the molecular basis of plant-fungal interactions; and 2)Marilyn Roossinck looking at the role of dsRNA in fungal endophytes that confer stress tolerance to plants. Expected Outcomes and Impact Statements: 1. Utilization of information technology Impact: Sharing of information through a website based platform that will provide easy, inexpensive access of information to all members for the exchange of ideas, coordination of laboratory and field research, protocols, contacts, meeting highlights, schedules, publications, and the fungal repository. 2. Establishment of collaborations As indicated in our previous and present reports (See 1991-2005 meeting update reports, previous and present publication list, and list of grants), the interactive platform of the NCR-173 meetings has allowed for the successful establishment of dozens of collaborations resulting in many joint publications (see publication list past and present). In addition, NCR-173 participants have been successful in conveying information to the science community and the general public through numerous publications (28 in 2005 alone), many of which were published in high visibility journals such as Science, Nature, and PNAS. The participants have also been successful in obtaining numerous grants and awards (51 in recent years, see below) amounting to approximately $27 million. Impact(s): A. Obtainment of individual and joint grants will make research possible to address fundamental questions regarding plant-fungal interactions. B. Coordination laboratory and field research between laboratories, which will enhance data collection, analysis, and interpretation utilizing a multi-disciplinary approach. In addition, communication via our website based platform will facilitate the efficiency of sharing information that will allow us to better understand the processes involved in plant - fungal interactions. C. The exchange of ideas/information/data and sharing resources and ideas will save time and money. In so doing, a collaborative environment will be fostered that will be mutually beneficial to all. D. Publication of both individual and joint research/review articles (see list of previous and present publications lists will allow for the efficient dissemination of information to the science and public community. Ultimately, this information will be utilized to provide guidance for the development of management tools to enhance economic productivity and promote environmental stewardship. E. Experimental protocols will be standardized which will enhance reproducibility, analysis, and conformity of procedures by posting protocols on a website based platform. Standardization will promote consistency in interpretations of data, which will save time and money. List of participant grants 1. Sequencing of the Pyrenophora tritici-repentis genome has been funded by USDA-CSREES under the NSF/CSREES Microbial Genome Sequencing Program. (2005-2006). PIs: Lynda M. Ciuffetti and Li-Jun Ma. $577,000. 2. State of Minnesota Rapid Response Fund (2003). An integrated genetic and physical map of the Fusarium graminearum genome. PIs: Corby Kistler and Gary Muehlbauer. $49,000. 3. United States Department of Agriculture, United States Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative (FY 2003), grants 0304-KI-080 and 0304 TR 050. Genomics, population genetics and development of Gibberella zeae. PI: Corby Kistler. $78,000. 4. United States Department of Agriculture, National Research Initiative Grant (2004 - 2006); Functional Genomics of Fusarium graminearum, the Wheat and Barley Scab Fungus; PIs: Corby Kistler, Frances Trail and Jin-Rong Xu. $971,486. 5. United States Department of Agriculture, United States Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative (FY 2004), grants 0405-KI-128 and 0405-TR-052. Genomics, population genetics and development of Gibberella zeae. PI: Corby Kistler. $87,000. 6. United States Department of Agriculture, United States Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative (FY 2005), grants 0506-KI-079 and 0506-TR-039. Genomics and population genetics of Gibberella zeae. PI: Corby Kistler. $107,792. 7. National Science Foundation and United States Department of Agriculture, Microbial Genome Sequencing Program. Comparative Genomics of Plant Pathogenic Fusarium Species. PIs: Corby Kistler, Li-Jun Ma, Won-Bo Shim, Seogchan Kang and Charles Woloshuk. $910,081. 8. NSF-EPSCoR. Plant Virus Biodiversity and Ecology, (Although not explicit from the title, this grant also covers a survey of viruses of fungal endophytes) ( 2005-2008). PIs: U. Melcher and M. Roossinck. $3,900,000. . 9. NIEHS Superfund Basic Research Program, Department of Health and Human Services-Bioreporter, Biomarker, Biodegradation Analysis: Transgenics and P450 Genes. PIs: Dr. L.Ciuffetti, CoPIs: M. Hyman, T. Wolpert. $1,410,661 pending. 10. USDA -- Cooperative State Research Service: Integrated Analyses of Victoria Blight Disease Susceptibility in Arabidopsis. (2005-2008). PI: Tom Wolpert. $341,079. 11. USDA -- Cooperative State Research Service: Genetic dissection of victorin-induced responses in Arabidopsis. (2001-2004). PIs: Tom Wolpert and Jennifer Lorang. $299,000. 12. USDA STEEP -- Improved methods for evaluating resistance to Cephalosporium stripe of wheat. (1999-2003). PIs: L.M. Ciuffetti, C.C. Mundt, C.J. Peterson, O. Riera Lizarazu. $75,000. 13. USGS - Introduction, Ecological Impacts and Invasiveness of Non-Indigenous Microbial, Plant and Animal Communities in the Pacific Northwest. (20042009). PI; Rusty Rodriguez. $2,000,000. 14. NSF - Symbiotic modulation: A mechanism for adaptation to environmental stress and habitat expansion by plants. (2004-2007).. PIs: Regina Redman, Rusty Rodriguez, Richard Stout. $650,000. 15. US/IS BARD - Gene expression patterns in plants colonized with pathogenic and non-pathogenic gene disruption mutants of Colletotrichum. (2005-2008). PIs: Rusty Rodriguez and Stan Freeman. $287,000. 16. USDA 2001-35319-10996. Role of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the Aspergillus/Seed interaction. (2001-2006). PI: Nancy Keller and Corby Kistler. $210,000. 17. USAID RD309-022/2265417. Basic and applied studies on aflatoxin and Aspergillus flavus management and interactions with peanut in the field and storage. (2000-2006). PIs: Nancy Keller,D. Wilson (University of Georgia) and 5 Botswanan scientists, 1 RSA scientist. $448,000. 18. Role of dioxygenases in Fusarium graminearum sporulation " the US Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative. (2003-2006). PI: Nancy Keller. $170,000. 19. NSF MCB-0236393. A global regulator of secondary metabolism gene clusters. (2004-2007). PI: Nancy Keller. $410,000. 20. NIH Aspergillus fumigatus microarray grant. PI: Nancy Keller. (no money, only awarded microarrays) 21. USDA NRI (Food Safety). RNAi-Mediated Control of Mycotoxin Contamination of Food Crops. (2005-2007). PIs: Nancy Keller and Heidi Kaeppler. $475,378. 22. ICRISAT. Elucidation of the peanut/Aspergillus interaction. (2005-2006). PIs: Nancy Keller and K. Sharma. $60,000. 23. Hatch funds Regulation of mycotoxin Biosynthesis. PI: Nancy Keller. ca $25,000 /year. 24. NSF MCB-0196233. Genetics of fungal secondary metabolism. (2001-2004). PI: Nancy Keller. $235,869. 25. Noble Foundation  The movement and biological role of dsRNA viruses of fungal endophytes on plant hosts, PI: Regina Redman. (2003-2006). $61,500. 27. Antarctic service award. McMurdo society of old Antarctic explorers. 2002. Rusty Rodriguez and Regina Redman. 28. Antarctic service award. McMurdo society of old Antarctic explorers. 2003. Rusty Rodriguez and Regina Redman. 29. US Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative. Genes regulated by the Gpmk1 pathway and pathogenesis in Fusarium graminearum. (2006-2007). PI: Jin-Rong Xu. $62,387. 30. USDA-NRI. Signal pathway activation of transcription factors and downstream targets regulating pathogenicity in Magnaporthe grisea. (2006-2009). PI: Jin-Rong Xu. $650,000. 31. US NRICGP. Molecular mechanisms regulating the activation of the PMK1 MAP kinase pathway in Magnaporthe grisea. (2005-2008). PI: Jin-Rong Xu. $385,000. 32. USDA-NRI Integrative Program. Functional genomics of Fusarium graminearum. (2004-2006). PI: Jin-Rong Xu. $980,000. 33. USDA-ARS-USWBSI. Effect of host resistance, fungicide, and weather on FHB of wheat. (2005-2006). PIs: Tika Adhikari and Ali. $26,550. 34. NDSBARE Wheat Committee. Continuation of a regional disease forecasting system. (2005-2006). PIs: Tika Adhikari and Ali. $9,100. 35. NSF. Acquisition of high throughput genetic analysis instrument. (2005-2007). PIs: Tika Adhikari and Kianian. $459,832. 36. USDA-ARS-USWBSI. Development of markers linked to FHB resistance in durum and hexaploid wheat. (2005-2006). PIs: Tika Adhikari and Kianian. $121,122. 37. USDA-ARS-USWBSI. Fine mapping of oshs.ndsu-3AS in durum wheat. (2005-2006). PIs: Tika Adhikari and X.E. Cai. $37,995. 38. USDA-ARS-USWBSI. Hastening the development of specialty spring wheat with resistance to Fusarium head blight. (2005-2006). PIs: Tika Adhikari and Berzonsky. $49,029. 39. USDA National Research Initiative Competitive Grants, Program- Biology of Plant-Microbe Interactions. Function, ecological roles, and evolutionary history of LOL: the loline alkaloid gene cluster in mutualistic grass endophytes. (2003-2006). PI: Heather Wilkinson. $200,000. 40. USDA Food and Agriculture Science National Needs Graduate and Postdoctoral Fellowship Grants Program. Fungal Biology Emerging Issues in Agriculture. (2005-2008). PIs: Dan Ebbole, Heather Wilkinson, T. Isakeit, C.M. Kenerley, M.V. Kolomiets, W.B. Shim, B.D. Shaw, M.R. Thon, and S.A. Sukno. (2005-2008). $139,00. 41. NSF. Evolution of Asexual Sporulation in filamentous Fungi. (2006-2009). PIs: Dan Ebbole, Heather Wilkinson, and B.D. Shaw. $998,319. 42. NSF. Plant Genome project #0115642. Whole Genome Analysis of Pathogen-Host Recognition and Subsequent Responses in the Rice Blast Patho-System. PIs: Dan Ebbole and Departmental Dean (Texas A&M). $6,200,000. 43. NSF PRISM. Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics in the Undergraduate Classroom: BTEC4000L. (2004-2005). PI: Scott Gold. $4,000. 44. USDA-NRICGP. Basidiomycete Specific Virulence Factor Analysis, Sporulation and Host Response in the Maize-Corn Smut Pathosystem. (2005-2008). PI: Scott Gold. $399,000. 45. Georgia Peanut Commission, National Peanut Board. Identification of Genes Differentially Expressed During Sclerotium Formation in Sclerotium rolfsii. (2005-2006). PI: Scott Gold. $3,000. 46. NSF PRISM. Identification of Genes Differentially Expressed During Sclerotium Formation in the White Mold Fungus, Sclerotium rolfsii. (2004-2005). PI: Scott Gold. $7,000. 47. NSF PRISM. Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics in the Undergraduate Classroom: BTEC4000L. (2004-2005). PI: Scott Gold. $6,000. 48. Georgia Peanut Commission. Identification of Genes Differentially Expressed During Sclerotium Formation in Sclerotium rolfsii. (2004-2005). PI: Scott Gold. $3,000. 49. USDA-NRICGP. Genetic analysis of fungal morphogenesis and host response in the Ustilago maydis-maize pathosystem. (2003-2005). PI: Scott Gold. $200,000. 50. USDA-NRICGP. Identification of proteins signaling morphogenesis and pathogenicity in Ustilago maydis (postdoctoral fellowship for Steven Klosterman). (2003-2005). PI: Scott Gold. $90,000. 51. NSF International. U.S.-Mexico collaborative analysis of the pathways of control of dimorphism in Ustilago maydis. (2002-2005). PI: Scott Gold. $69,491.