Phenotype characterization of the mutants generated in this study.

aGrowth rate (extension in colony diameter) and conidiation were assayed with OA cultures.bPercentage of germ tubes formed appressoria on the hydrophobic side of Gelbond membranes by 24 h.cLesion formation was examined on infected rice leaves 7 days after inoculation. Means and SD values were calculated from at least three independent experiments.dNot assayed.*Data from three replicates were analyzed with the protected Fisher's Least Significant Difference (LSD) test. The same letter indicated that there was no significant difference. Different letters were used to mark statistically significant difference (P = 0.05).