Population structure of A. rabiei

Chickpea is a relatively new but high profit rotation crop in Australia. However, the fungus Ascochyta rabiei is the major biotic factor that reduces yield. In order to manage the disease and assess the risk of future similar epidemics, this project focusses on the population structure of A. rabiei in Australia, how that compares to a world-wide population structure, the pathogen's potential to further overcome disease resistance etc. We also investigate mating type distribution and the pathogen's ability to reproduce sexually.