Host specialisation and disparate evolution of Pyrenophora teres f. teres on barley and barley grass

摘要

BackgroundPathogens evolve in an arms race, frequently evolving virulence that defeats resistance genes in their hosts. Infection of multiple hosts may accelerate this virulence evolution. Theory predicts that host diversity affects pathogen diversity, with more diverse hosts expected to harbour more diverse pathogens that reproduce sexually. We tested this hypothesis by comparing the microsatellite (SSR) genetic diversity of the barley leaf pathogen Pyrenophora teres f. teres (Ptt) from barley (monoculture) and barley grass (outbreeding). We also aim to investigate host specificity and attempt to track virulence on two barley cultivars, Maritime and Keel.