Smut Fungi

Dear Colleagues,

The smut fungi are a large, diverse, and non-monophyletic group of plant pathogens. They include several species that have gained prominence as models for plant pathogenic fungi due to (1) their facility of manipulation and extensive molecular genetic toolkits (e.g., Ustilago maydis, U. hordei, Sporisorium reilianum), or (2) their economic and international diplomatic impacts (e.g. Tilletia caries, T. contraversa, Thecaphora solani), or (3) their use in ecological/population genetics/evolutionary studies and as paradigms for emerging infectious diseases through host shifts (e.g., the Microbotryum violaceum species complex). More recently, tool development for other smut fungi has enabled enhanced investigation, of pathogen-plant interactions (e.g., U. bromivora), and of distinct crops and diseases (e.g., U. esculenta, S. scitamineum). Yet, many other species have been poorly studied or have only recently been recognized for their interesting and unique properties. In this Special Issue we want to combine both original research works as well as review articles with particular emphasis on molecular genetic approaches that together feature a wide range, and unravel important characteristics, of smut species – thereby advancing our understanding of this important group of plant pathogens.

Prof. Dr. Michael H. Perlin
Prof. Dr. Barry J. Saville
Prof. Dr. Jan Schirawski
Guest Editors

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