Mini-chromosomes as drivers of genetic diversity and host-adaptation in the blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae

The blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae is a devastating plant pathogen infecting multiple staple crops. A major challenge in developing blast resistant crops is the ability M. oryzae has to quickly adapt to its plant host and overcome disease resistance. This poster described our work on how mini-chromosomes, i.e. small, supernumerary chromosomes, can contribute to adaptive evolution in M. oryzae.