Objective:
Understand the evolutionary potential of Gibberella zeae (Fusarium graminearum) either to change in aggressiveness or to adapt to control measures such as fungicides, biocontrol agents, and cultivar resistance. Study the genetic basis of ecologically or agriculturally important traits of the pathogen.

Approach:
Look for evidence of migration or the formation on inter-lineage hybrids using AFLP and DNA sequence markers. Identify genome regions that differ between lineages. Test aggressiveness and fertility of representative hybrids to estimate fitness components. Identify genes for differences in fertility and localize these genes and/or molecular maps.