Understanding the molecular intricacies of rice-Rhizoctonia solani interactions

Abstract

Sheath blight disease is a devastating disease in rice that causes huge crop losses worldwide. It is caused by a necrotrophic fungus Rhizoctonia solani. In spite of global efforts till now there are no reports of complete resistance against this pathogen. We observed that R. solani has a brief biotrophic phase wherein mycelial grows parallel to rice veins without showing any morphological and anatomical changes. However, at later stage, i.e. necrotrophic phase, infection cushions along with anatomical changes are observed at the site of disease symptoms. Through transcriptome and metabolome studies we have identified several candidate host susceptibility factors and pathogenicity determinants that might play an important role during pathogenesis of R. solani in rice. Furthermore, using whole genome studies, we have identified several gene/gene families that might contribute to the aggressiveness of the R. solani strains. Although gene manipulation studies in R. solani is difficult we have devised ways wherein we can functionally characterize these pathogenicity determinants. Overall the present study will help in better understanding of the rice-R. solani pathosystem which would eventually be helpful in developing strategies for durable sheath blight disease tolerance in rice.