Standardization of toxin nomenclature in the Pyrenophora tritici-repentis/wheat interaction

Discussions among researchers working on the Pyrenophora tririci-repentis/wheat interaction have led to a proposal for the standardization of the nomenclature for the host-selective toxins (HSTs) produced by this fungus. Advances in the isolation and purification of the toxin(s) produced by P. tritici-repentis and the likelihood that this pathogen produces multiple toxins necessitate a systematic approach to naming these molecules and the genes that direct their production. Presently, there is one HST that has three names and two apparently distinct HSTs that are informally referred to by the same name. To improve communication among the researchers working in this area and with those interested in the literature, we propose a system of nomenclature for the HSTs produced by this pathogen and genes responsible for their production.