Molecular Genetic Approaches to the Study of Phytopathogenic Fungi

The broad application of chemical crop protectants and intensive plant breeding for the devel­ opm ent o f agriculture and the management of plant disease have created conditions of environ­ mental concern. Molecular genetic methods are being applied to the analysis of phytopathogenic fungi and their corresponding diseases. Rapid developm ent o f this research field will permit the isolation and characterization of genes involved in pathogenic processes. A detailed understand­ ing o f the molecular events of disease onset and progression will facilitate the design of improved procedures for disease prevention and control. In v ited T ren d s A rtic le