Program for the Biology of Filamentous Fungi

The filamentous fungi are organisms of unusual importance. They are the major cause of plant diseases. As producers of mycotoxins in infected plant products, they cause significant losses of agricultural products and are a grave health concern for man and animals. Fungi are the primary organisms responsible for the decomposition of woody plant tissues and hold the potential for bioconversion of plant waste into valuable products. Fungi form associations with plants that enhance plant productivity and fungi are important producers of both foods and medicines. Thus, increased fungal research efforts are warranted, both to decrease the damage that fungi cause to plants and to increase their potential to enhance the value of plant products. Recently, Texas A&M University has made a concerted effort to attract scientists with common interests in fungal biology. We recognize the potential for future scientific breakthroughs in the manipulation of fungi for the benefit of society. Our goal is for Texas A&M to become a leader in fungal biology research as it relates to plant biology. To this end, we have established interactions between research groups investigating diverse problems in fungal biology. Scientists graduating from this program will have an immediate impact in areas of critical importance for agricultural, industrial, environmental,and governmental needs.