Characterization of transformants including deletion mutants for <i>MoHOX</i> genes in <i>M. oryzae</i> development and pathogenicity.

aVegetative growth was measured at 10 days post-inoculation on complete agar medium. Data were presented as means±SD from three independent experiments. bConidiation was measured by counting the number of conidia collected with 5 ml of sterilized distilled water from 10-days-old oatmeal agar plates. cSizes of conidia were determined from at least two experiments with over 100 conidia each. dPercentage of conidial germination on hydrophobic surfaces was measured under a light microscope using conidia harvested from 6-days-old V8 juice agar plates. ePercentage of appressorium formation on hydrophobic surfaces was measured using conidia harvested from 6-day-old V8 juice agar plates. fScores of disease severity was measured 7 days after inoculation, as previously described [63]. gTukey's test was used to determine significance at the 95% probability level. The same letters in a column showed no significant difference. hND = not determined.