‘A Spot of Bother’ Pyrenophora teres f. maculata: Intercontinental population structure, genetic diversity, and selection influencing regional populations

Abstract

Pyrenophora teres f. maculata (Ptm), the fungal pathogen responsible for spot form net blotch in barley, significantly impacts the global barley industries. This thesis examined the genetic status of Ptm populations, both nationally and internationally, and in addition addressed the genetic status of P. teres of barley grass within Australia. Results of this thesis presented insights into the P. teres-barley pathosystem, global population subdivision, indications of migration patterns and regional selective pressures towards fungicide resistance.