Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting

Friday evening: Dr. Marilyn Roossinck from the Noble Foundation presented work on a three way symbiosis between geothermal plants, endophytic fungi and a double stranded RNA virus. The fungus confers heat tolerance to the host plant and is responsible for survival of plants in geothermal soils. The research presented indicated that the ability of the fungus to confer heat tolerance required the presence of the virus. Saturday morning: Dr. Barbara Valent from Kansas State presented work on the cell biology of M. griseae growth in rice plants. As the fungus penetrates into plant cells they accumulate effectors proteins on their membrane/wall surface. In the first cell the fungus becomes either sheathed in plant membrane that moves to the fungal hyphae or the plant membrane incorporates into fungal membrane. Dr. Nancy Keller from University of Wisconsin presented work on characterizing secondary metabolite genes. Aspergillus species have 30-35 copies of secondary metabolite gene clusters and they differ in composition between each species. The gene leaA regulates expression of gene clusters. When lea is deleted all clusters are down regulated. Saturday evening: Dr. Nancy Keller from University of Wisconsin continued her presentation of the distribution and regulation of secondary metabolite clusters in Aspergillus species. Business meeting: Dr. Forrest Chumley our administrator from Kansas State University spoke about the NCR173 program is now NCCC173. He also described the information we need to provide to continue this annual meeting and commented about the positive scientific interaction that occurs at this meeting. Further discussion involved increasing attendance of younger faculty, students and postdoctorals. A site for the 2007 meeting was discussed and decided to be either at Madison or Texas A&M. Sunday morning: Dr. Tom Wolpert from Oregon State University presented work on the mechanism of the host-specific toxin Victorin. Sunday afternoon: Approximately 1/2 of the attendees went on a field trip to view ancient ruins at Pecos National Monument. Scientific discussions continued throughout the day and into the evening. Monday morning:Scientific discussions continued over breakfast and the meeting ended. Synopsis of meeting: All attendees commented about the high quality of scientific discussion that occurred throughout the meeting. Discussion occurred during each talk making the length of each talk 1.5 - 2 hours. The attendees also commented about how the interdisciplinary representation at the meeting was largely responsible for the extensive discussions and unique perspectives provided during each talk. Although the number of attendees was low this year, the quality of talks and discussions were probably the best we have experienced during the tenure of NCR173, now renamed as NCCC-173.

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. We have continually stressed interdisciplinary activities, which are clearly reflected in the make up of our participants. Membership in NCR-173 which is now re-named NCCC-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 NCCC-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, NCCC-173 will broaden its scope and generate new synergisms and what was once an individualistic approach, will now take on a synergetic momentum. Short-Term Outcomes, Outputs, Activities and Milestones: 1. Expand the scope of NCCC-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 NCCC-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 NCCC-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 NCCC-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. Resolutions: 1) Expand the scope of NCCC-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); 2) Continue the coordination of basic genetics and molecular research on with several economically important fungal genera named in objective one; 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; 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; 5) Explore new funding possibilities to enhance activities; and 6) Establish an effective website platform for effective exchange of ideas and information. Plans for the coming year (2007) 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 repository. Discussions will be held to determine the number, extent, protocols, and funding required to establish/expand the fungal repositiry. 7. Joint grants: During the 2006 meeting it was agreed that members should organize submission of a joint grant in the coming year as a possible funding source. Several collaborative grants inspired by previous committee meeting were prepared and several funded. 9. Recruitment of new members: It was agreed that members would submit names during the course of this next year of colleagues for recruitment to the NCCC-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. 10. Election of new officers: After 5 years of service, Regina Redman (Chair) and Rusty Rodriguez (Secretary) of NCR-173/NCCC-173 will step down and new officers will be elected in 2007. The offices will be held for a term of 3-5 years. 11. 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. Contact Information: Forrest Chumley (fchumley@ksu.edu). Administrative Advisor IMPACTS (added here due to NIMSS error that wouldn't allow impact statement section to be added): Impact Nugget: The resulting collaborations established and information exchange made possible by NCCC-173 have coordinated research efforts and management strategies regarding the biochemical and genetic basis of host-fungal interactions between numerous laboratories in an efficient manner, which separately, would not have been possible. Issue: Filamentous fungal pathogens cause diseases on all agricultural crops around the world resulting in millions of tons of crop losses and billions of dollars in lost revenue annually. Strategies to combat fungal diseases include fungicides, crop rotation, plant resistance, and disease-free seed all of which have had limited success in controlling disease. The ability of fungi to develop fungicide resistance and overcome plant resistance continues to interfere with designing long term control measures for pathogenic fungi. A better understanding of plant-fungal interactions and the response of plants to pathogens is critical to the development of effective and long term control measures. For example, phytopathogenic fungi express several different pathogenic lifestyles including biotrophy, hemibiotrophy, and necrotrophy, and may show tissue specificity or microhabitat preferences. Even within each of these lifestyles, pathogenesis may be correlated to toxins or extracellular enzymes. Clearly, pathogenesis is complex. In addition, the level of complexity surrounding pathogenesis studies is exacerbated by the fact that there are numerous species of plant pathogenic fungi of agricultural importance. In order to realistically make advances in understanding pathogenesis and hence, provide insightful information for the development of management tools, the multi-disciplinary complexities involved in host-pathogen interactions must be simultaneous studied with several fungal genera. As such, we chose Alternaria, Fusarium, Sclerotinia, Colletotrichum, Cochliobolus, Pyrenophera, Monolinia, and Ustilago as our systems of choice 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 much more quickly regarding the universal similarities and unique differences involved in pathogenesis. In so doing, NCCC-173 will broaden its scope and generate new synergisms and ultimately better understand the biochemical and genetic basis of plant-fungal interactions which can then be shared with the scientific community and society at large.

Previous (1999-Present) Collaborative Manuscripts Written/Published: Several of the members of NCCC-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 NCCC-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 toparasitism, 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 itsRole inn 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.. 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)