Setosphaeria turcica, the Maize Leaf Blast Pathogen: Current Status and Infection Mechanisms

Abstract

The fungal pathogen Setosphaeria turcica causes northern corn leaf blight (NCLB) in maize, sorghum, and related grasses. NCLB is a serious fungal foliar disease of cultivated maize that causes devastating yield losses. S. turcica infects maize leaves by means of a specialized cell, the appressorium, but the regulatory mechanisms that underlie appressorium-mediated infection remain largely unknown. Many regulatory pathways and a large number of genes have been described in S. turcica, and many of these genes have been cloned. Characterization of such disease-related genes is important for understanding the biological mechanisms of interaction between pathogen and host and can guide the development of strategies for disease control. There is a significant level of concern regarding the possible dissemination of the S. turcica pathogen to regions where NCLB is not presently prevalent. This scenario is of considerable concern and necessitates immediate research intervention. The present review brings together information on the epidemiology and infection mechanisms of S. turcica.