H3K4 Methyltransferase CfSet1 Is Required for Development and Pathogenesis in Colletotrichum fructicola

Abstract

Tea-oil tree (Camellia oleifera Abel.) is a unique woody edible oil species in China. Anthracnose is the common disease of Ca. oleifera, which affected the production and brought huge economic losses. Colletotrichum fructicola is the dominant pathogen causing Ca. oleifera anthracnose. The gene CfSET1 was deleted and its roles in development and pathogenicity of C. fructicola were studied. Our results show that this protein participated in the growth, conidiation, appressorium formation, and pathogenicity of this fungal pathogen. Our results help us understand the mechanisms of pathogenesis in C. fructicola and suggest CfSet1 as a potential target for the development of new fungicide.