How do we elucidate the evolution and systematics of fungi

How do we elucidate the evolution and systematics of fungi?

Gerard Adams

Associate Professor, Plant Pathology

Plant Pathology

Ongoing research in my laboratory primarily involves molecular systematics, evolution and phylogenetics in fungi. We are examining the comparative amount of genetic diversity in several plant pathogenic fungi. Molecular sequence of ribosomal genes, type 1 introns, ds RNA mycoviruses, restriction fragment length polymorphisms, motochondrial DNA probes, species-specific probes, isozyme analysis and DNA finger printing are being used in combination for examining species concepts and population biology. Other genetic systems of sexual and vegetative compatibility are also being studied. Forced protoplast fusions have been genetically characterized as well as new double-stranded RNA mycoviruses.

Selected Publications

Surve-Iyer, R.S. and G.C. Adams. 1991. Genetic comparison of ribosomal DNA of Leucostoma species. MSA Newsletter 42(3):45.

Jenson, C.J.P., G.C. Adams and R.F. Allison. 1991. Comparison of dsRNA purified from two hypovirulent isolates of Leucostoma pensoonii. Phytopathology 81:1217.

Adams, G.C. and J.W. Taylor. 1993. Phylogenetic utility of the internal transcribed spacers of nuclear ribosomal DNA in Leucostoma and Valsa. Inoculum 44(2):17.

Adams, G.C., K.L. Klomparens and P.E. Hennon. 1994. Unusual reticulated parenthosomes surround the dolipore of a hymenomycete with clamp-connections, Ditangifibulae dikaryotae Gen. & Sp. Nov. Mycologia 86: In press.

Wu, N-T., G.C. Adams and M.A. Palmer. 1994. Evaluation of the presence of double-stranded RNA in Sphaeropsis sapinea and Sphaeropsis sapinea var. phtshmodpots var. Nov. Mycologia 86: In press.

Surve-Iyer, R., G.C. Adams, A.F. Iezzoni and A.L. Jones. 1994. Isozyme detection and variation in Leucostoma species from Prunus and Malus. Mycologia 86: In press.