Sexual reproduction of fungi is governed by the mating type (MAT) locus. Because two alternate forms (alleles) are completely dissimilar sequences and encoding different transcription factors, this locus is structurally unusual, yet they occupy the same chromosomal position. Genomic analyses facilitate the definition of MAT locus sequences in many species, so the knowledge of MAT locus structure and evolution has been significantly advanced in recent years. This important genomic feature has been studied most extensively in the largest phylum of the fungi, Ascomycota, which is the largest group of the plant pathogenic fungi. In this article we discuss the different aspects of mating type genes and their structure and organization in Ascomycota. Knowledge on the mating type genes may provide a great assistance to understanding the potential of phytopathogenic fungi for sexual cycle and consequently on genetic diversity in fungal populations. The proper data on sexual reproduction and genetic diversity of phytopathogenic fungi might be useful in different aspects of plant disease management.

Keywords: Idiomorph, Mating type, Sexual reproduction, Gene, Ascomycota

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