VdPAT1 encoding a pantothenate transporter protein is required for fungal growth, mycelial penetration and pathogenicity of Verticillium dahliae

The soil-borne vascular fungus Verticillium dahliae is known to attack cotton crop causing Verticillium. In a previous study we had identified VdPAT1 to be induced by root exudates of a susceptible variety, the present studies examines the function role of this gene in growth, mycelial penetration and pathogenicity of V. dahliae. In this study we generated VdPAT1 deletion mutants and complementary mutants via homologous recombination mediated by PEG-mediated transformation method and this gene was functional characterized. We found that VdPAT1 is required for fungal growth, development, resistance to external stresses, mycelial penetration and pathogenicity of V. dahliae.