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Welcome to the International Mycosphaerella Genomics Consortium (IMGC)

It was during the 2nd International Workshop on Mycosphaerella Leaf Spot Diseases of Bananas held in Costa Rica in May 2002, that it was suggested for the first time to set up a consortium on the genomics of Mycosphaerella fijiensis. A few months later, a preliminary meeting was held in Leuven in September 2002 to launch the discussion on setting up the consortium in the framework of PROMUSA. During that meeting, the genomics tools needed for further development and the relevance of expanding the consortium to include groups working on M. graminicola were discussed.

In August 2003 in Merida, Mexico, groups working on M. graminicola and M. fijiensis interacted for the first time and exchanged useful information. Bringing together research groups working on M. graminicola and M. fijiensis represents several advantages:

Phylogenetically, M. fijiensis and the wheat pathogen M. graminicola represent two model species in the order Dothideales. M. graminicola and M. fijiensis are only distantly related, so the two sequenced genome would provide good coverage of this genus of fungi.
The more advanced progress of M. graminicola would benefit M. fijiensis by the experience and resources that are already available in M. graminicola.
By coordinating the work on genomics of both groups it will allow more exchange of information and material and thus permit the research to go further and faster.
Bringing together the two groups permits the forming of a critical mass that would facilitate the securing of new projects and funding opportunities.

By creating a consortium representing both groups, Members would make their resources, tools and/or knowledge available to the consortium and, in turn, benefit from access to information and material from other members.