The Devastating Rice Blast Airborne Pathogen Magnaporthe oryzae—A Review on Genes Studied with Mutant Analysis

Abstract

Magnaporthe oryzae is one of the most devastating pathogenic fungi that affects a wide range of cereal plants, especially rice. Rice blast disease causes substantial economic losses around the globe. The M. oryzae genome was first sequenced at the beginning of this century and was recently updated with improved annotation and completeness. In this review, key molecular findings on the fungal development and pathogenicity mechanisms of M. oryzae are summarized, focusing on fully characterized genes based on mutant analysis. These include genes involved in the various biological processes of this pathogen, such as vegetative growth, conidia development, appressoria formation and penetration, and pathogenicity. In addition, our syntheses also highlight gaps in our current understanding of M. oryzae development and virulence. We hope this review will serve to improve a comprehensive understanding of M. oryzae and assist disease control strategy designs in the future.

Pyricularia oryzae: Lab star and field scourge

“…For a comprehensive listing and description of the about 400 P. oryzae genes that have been studied by mutant analysis, we recommend the very exhaustive review article of Tan et al. ( 2023 ).…”

“…This property allows the correct folding of glycoproteins from the extracellular matrix before their secretion (Rocha et al., 2020 ). Several other genes such as the O‐mannosyltransferase Pmt2 , the transcription factor Tra1p , the fasciclin‐like protein Flp1 , and the ubiquitin ligases Rad6 and Bre1 showed pleiotropic phenotypes when mutated, including defects in conidial adhesion (Breth et al., 2013 ; Guo et al., 2016 ; Liu et al., 2009 ; Shi et al., 2016 ; Tan et al., 2023 ).…”

“…Appressorium development is orchestrated by complex signalling networks. Two pathways have been particularly well characterized: one involving cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and the other the mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase Pmk1 (Fernandez & Orth, 2018 ; Li et al., 2012 ; Ryder & Talbot, 2015 ; Tan et al., 2023 ; Wilson & Talbot, 2009 ). The cAMP pathway is initiated by the receptor Pth11, which perceives surface hydrophobicity and controls the initiation of appressorium development following recognition of the hydrophobic leaf cuticle by germinating hyphae (DeZwaan et al., 1999 ).…”

The link between changing in host carbon allocation and resistance to Magnaporthe oryzae : a possible tactic for mitigating the rice blast fungus

“…Although Magnaporthe oryzae ( M. oryzae ), the causal agent of the rice blast disease, presents a significant obstacle to the cultivation of this essential crop. 1 Rapid and extensive lesions on leaves, stems, and grains are the hallmarks of this destructive disease, which causes large yield losses and negative economic effects. 1 , 2 Rice blast is a calamitous disease that spreads quickly and has the potential to cause significant yield losses.…”

“… 1 Rapid and extensive lesions on leaves, stems, and grains are the hallmarks of this destructive disease, which causes large yield losses and negative economic effects. 1 , 2 Rice blast is a calamitous disease that spreads quickly and has the potential to cause significant yield losses. As a result, it poses a threat to global food production.…”