In Magnaporthe oryzae, pyriform conidia are the primary inoculum and the main source for disease dissemination in the field. In this study, we identified and characterized the COM1 gene that was disrupted in three insertional mutants producing slender conidia. COM1 encodes a putative transcription regulator unique to filamentous ascomycetes. The com1 disruption and deletion mutants had similar defects in conidium morphology and were significantly reduced in virulence on rice and barley seedlings. Microscopic examination revealed that the Deltacom1 mutants were defective in appressorium turgor generation, penetration, and infectious growth. COM1 was expressed constitutively in M. oryzae. The Com1 protein had putative helix-loop-helix structures and three predicted nuclear localization signal sequences. In transformants expressing COM1(335-613)-enhanced green fluorescent protein fusion constructs, fluorescence signals were observed in the nucleus. Our data indicated that the COM1 gene may encode a novel transcription regulator that regulates conidial development and invasive growth in M. oryzae.

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This paper presents a review of recent research on direct upgrading of coal/biomass volatiles into aromatics by catalytic pyrolysis and syngas by gasification with catalytic steam reforming. Coal/biomass valorization is considered an important part to fill up the depletion of modern fossil fuel resources. The catalytic pyrolysis process is a potential approach to improve coal tar/bio-oil quality by minimizing its undesirable properties (high viscosity, corrosivity, instability, etc.) and producing renewable fuels and high-value chemicals, such as aromatics (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, etc.). Gasification reforming as a promising process for renewable energy utilization can produce H2-rich syngas. The produced syngas can be further synthesized to fuel and chemicals via Fischer–Tropsch synthesis. Thus, this study provides a comprehensive review of the research and development of conversion of coal and biomass volatiles in terms of technological types and catalysts. Aspects related to upgrading technology, the reactor type of catalytic pyrolysis and gasification, and the reaction mechanisms to specific products during the catalytic process are also discussed comprehensively. In particular, catalytic upgrading by fast pyrolysis involves a series of reactions, including deoxygenation, cracking, hydrocarbon pool mechanism, aromatization, and condensation, as well as desulfurization and denitrification in the gasification process. Some key points that are to be addressed for the established process of coal and biomass volatile upgrading may include finding multifunctional catalysts and reactor development for improving the efficiency. Expanding and enhancing knowledge about catalyst utilization and fundamental reaction mechanisms in the thermochemical catalytic conversion technologies of coal and biomass will play an important role in the generation of chemicals and carbon-neutral fuels.

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