Mutant instability in Septoria nodorum

Abstract

Mutant instability in Septoria nodorum was investigated to determine its likely cause by comparing reversion rates of spontaneous and mutagen (NTG)-induced mutants. Nitrogennon-utilizing mutants were selected for this by screening for resistance to chlorate. All the NTG-induced mutants reverted to wild type, while only half the spontaneous mutants in the same genes reverted. Possible explanations and the significance of the phenomenon to this pathogen are discussed.