Biology of B. sorokiniana (syn. Cochliobolus sativus) in genomics era

Bipolaris sorokiniana (Sacc.) Shoemaker is a hemi-biotrophic fungal pathogen, which is an anamorph (teleomorph Cochlibolus sativus). It causes spot blotch, root rot and leaf spot diseases in a number of cereals including wheat, barley and other small grain cereals. In the genomics era, the fungus has been subjected to a variety of studies using molecular approaches. Correct chromosome number was determined and molecular karyotypes were prepared using contour-clamped homogeneous electric field. Molecular maps were prepared using markers like RFLPs, SSRs, RAPDs and SNPs. For this purpose, segregating progenies derived from crosses between diverse isolates of the pathogen were used. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) data was collected not only for B. sorokiniana isolates, but also for several species of Cochliobolus. Genes involved in secondary metabolism and virulence were identified from genome sequences. The WGS data has also been utilized for comparative genomics giving useful information about evolutionary trends. A brief account of this information is presented in this review.