MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Complete genome sequence analysis of Boeremia exigua, a fungal pathogen causing leaf spot disease of Panax notoginseng

Summary

Scientists have sequenced the complete genetic code of a fungus called Boeremia exigua that causes leaf spot disease on Panax notoginseng, a valuable traditional Chinese medicinal plant. The fungus has a toolkit of genes that help it break down plant cell walls and infect the plant. By understanding the fungus’s genetic makeup, researchers hope to develop better ways to prevent or control this disease and protect P. notoginseng crops.

Background

Panax notoginseng is a highly valued traditional Chinese medicinal plant primarily cultivated in Yunnan Province. In 2022, a novel leaf spot disease was discovered on P. notoginseng leaves caused by Boeremia exigua, a fungal pathogen with a broad host range affecting over 200 plant genera. However, the genomic basis and pathogenic mechanisms of B. exigua remain poorly understood.

Objective

This study reports the first complete genome sequence of B. exigua strain HEI-C, the pathogen causing P. notoginseng leaf spot disease in China. The research aimed to investigate the genomic features, gene regulatory networks, and pathogenic mechanisms of this fungal pathogen through whole genome sequencing and analysis.

Results

The HEI-C genome is approximately 26.35 Mb with 53.14% GC content and 11,701 predicted genes. The analysis identified 412 putative CAZy genes associated with plant cell wall degradation, 252 secondary metabolite gene clusters, 47 effector proteins, and 91 virulence-enhancing factors. Phylogenetic analysis and ANI comparison (96.24% similarity with B. exigua MPI-SDFR-AT-0100) confirmed the strain classification.

Conclusion

The complete genome sequence of B. exigua enhances understanding of its pathogenicity and virulence mechanisms. This genomic data provides a theoretical foundation for investigating pathogenic mechanisms and developing improved disease management strategies for P. notoginseng leaf spot control.
  • Published in:BMC Genomics,
  • Study Type:Genomic Analysis,
  • Source: PMID: 41174490, DOI: 10.1186/s12864-025-12182-9
Scroll to Top