Fusarium as a model for studying virulence in soilborne plant pathogens

The genus Fusarium contains a number of soilborne, plant pathogenic species with worldwide distribution, that have been known for a long time as important plant pathogens. The most common species, F. oxysporum, causes vascular wilt in a wide variety of crops. We present an overview on recent advances in the genus Fusarium that have improved our understanding of the mechanisms of infection in soilborne fungal pathogens. Key aspects discussed include plant-fungus signalling, degradation of the plant cell wall, resistance to plant antifungal compounds, production of phytotoxins and role of transposable elements. The potential of Fusarium to serve as a model for soilborne fungal pathogens is outlined.