Rice blast is a compelling model system for studying host-parasite interactions due to its socioeconomic impact and the availability of both the rice and fungal genome sequences. In an attempt to understand the molecular mechanisms of rice blast, we have been taking both forward and reverse genetics approaches. Our researches using reverse genetics approach focused on identifying and characterizing the genes involved in signal transduction pathways leading to appressorium formation, genes encoding transcription factors, and genes that are required for post-penetration stages. For forward genetics studies, we carried out a large-scale insertional mutagenesis of the Magnaporthe oryzae KJ201 via Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation, generating over 21,000 mutants. We also developed high throughput phenotype screening system that enables rapid and robust assay of mutant phenotypes. In addition to our endeavor to functional and comparative genomics, we built a cyber-infrastructure for storage of heterogeneous data and analysis of such data in multiple contexts. The whole genome sequence information of M. oryzae as well as most of the results from experimental biology are housed in our customized databases. Our comprehensive and integrative approaches coupled with a web-based Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) would provide a novel platform for systems biology initiatives for fungal pathogenesis.