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

Panax notoginseng, a valuable traditional Chinese medicinal plant, has been affected by a fungal leaf spot disease caused by Boeremia exigua. Researchers sequenced the complete genome of this fungal pathogen for the first time, discovering important genes responsible for its ability to infect plants, including enzymes that break down plant cell walls and proteins that help it evade plant defenses. This genetic information provides a foundation for developing better strategies to protect these valuable medicinal plants from disease.

Background

Panax notoginseng is a highly valued traditional Chinese medicinal plant cultivated primarily in Wenshan, 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 aims to characterize the genome and identify genetic factors contributing to pathogenicity and virulence through comprehensive genomic analysis.

Results

The HEI-C genome is approximately 26.35 Mb with 53.14% GC content and 11,701 predicted genes. Analysis identified 412 CAZy genes involved in plant cell wall degradation, 252 secondary metabolite gene clusters, 47 effector proteins, and 91 virulence-enhancing factors. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed HEI-C as B. exigua with 96.24% genome similarity to other B. exigua strains.

Conclusion

This first complete genome sequence of B. exigua provides crucial insights into its pathogenic mechanisms and genetic basis for virulence. The findings establish a theoretical foundation for understanding host-pathogen interactions and developing improved disease management strategies for P. notoginseng leaf spot.
  • Published in:BMC Genomics,
  • Study Type:Genomic Analysis,
  • Source: 10.1186/s12864-025-12182-9, PMID: 41174490
Scroll to Top