Daniel Berry

Citation

Thesis Title
Characterisation of novel secondary metabolism genes in plant-endophytic Epichloe fungi

Read article at Massey Research Online:

Epichloë fungi are agriculturally important because they provide their grass hosts with resistance against a range of herbivores through production of protective natural products. Mr Berry investigated the gene responsible for production of the insect-deterring natural product peramine. He found that a variant of this gene, which had previously been assumed to be non-functional, actually produces a novel product. Mr Berry also identified a cluster of natural product genes implicated in the disease-causing Epichloë sexual cycle, during which the endophyte prevents host flowering. His research results further develop our understanding of Epichloë natural products and their functions within this endophyte-grass relationship.

Supervisors
Professor Barry Scott
Associate Professor Carolyn Young
Associate Professor Paul Dijkwel