MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Draft genome sequence of Neofusicoccum caryigenum associated with pecan leaf dieback

Summary

Scientists have sequenced the genetic blueprint of a fungus causing pecan leaf dieback disease, an emerging problem in southeastern U.S. pecan orchards. The fungus, called Neofusicoccum caryigenum, causes pecan trees to lose their leaves and produce fewer nuts. This first-ever genetic map of the pathogen will help researchers understand how it works and develop better ways to manage the disease.

Background

Pecan leaf dieback caused by Neofusicoccum caryigenum is an emerging disease in southeastern United States pecan orchards first identified in 2021. This disease causes defoliation of pecan trees leading to decreased yields, with symptoms observed in Georgia, Louisiana, Alabama, and Texas. No genome sequence for this pathogen was previously available.

Objective

To sequence, assemble, and annotate the first draft genome of N. caryigenum isolated from a symptomatic pecan tree in Texas. The study aims to provide genomic resources for understanding this emerging fungal pathogen.

Results

The draft genome was assembled to 42.5 Mbp total length with GC content of 56.51% and genome completeness estimated at 97.4%. The assembly consisted of 609 contigs with an N50 of 22.9 kbp. The genome statistics were comparable to other closely related Neofusicoccum species.

Conclusion

This is the first draft genome sequence of N. caryigenum, providing essential genomic resources for further study of this emerging pecan pathogen. The assembled genome will facilitate comparative genomics and identification of pathogenicity-related genes.
  • Published in:Microbiology Resource Announcements,
  • Study Type:Genomic Sequencing Study,
  • Source: PMID: 38483453, DOI: 10.1128/mra.00944-23
Scroll to Top