Sequencing the genomes of wheat rust and poplar

The genomes of fungi causing wheat stem rust and leaf rust of poplar have been decoded and analyzed by an international consortium involving researchers from INRA, CNRS, French universities and research centers in the U.S., "INRA announced Tuesday in a statement.

This analysis reveals the presence of a large number of genes (over 16,000) in these two biotrophic fungi (they feed on their host plants while keeping them alive). Of these, more than half correspond to new genes not previously identified in other species.


"These genes allow the synthesis of proteins used by fungi to neutralize the immune system of their respective hosts, " explains the French research institute.

These results should allow a better understanding of the mechanisms for the establishment of the biotrophic and mechanisms of circumvention of resistance to both rusts.