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Draft genome sequences for four isolates of the hemp (Cannabis sativa) fungal pathogen Neofusicoccum parvum

Summary

Scientists sequenced the complete genomes of four samples of a fungal disease that infects hemp plants. This fungus, called Neofusicoccum parvum, causes dying branches and damage to hemp crops. By mapping out the genetic code of these fungal samples, researchers now have important tools to better understand how this pathogen works and potentially develop strategies to protect hemp plants.

Background

Neofusicoccum parvum is a globally important fungal pathogen with an extensive host range affecting over 90 woody angiosperm hosts. In the United States, this pathogen was first isolated from diseased hemp plants showing terminal dieback symptoms in Arkansas in 2019 and 2020. The molecular basis of pathogenicity and the broad host range of N. parvum remain largely unknown.

Objective

To examine and characterize the draft genome sequences of four isolates of Neofusicoccum parvum collected from diseased hemp plants over a two-year period and confirmed to be pathogenic on Cannabis sativa.

Results

The four hemp isolates had genome sizes ranging from 42.8 to 44.4 Mb with 16,499 ± 72 predicted genes. Whole-genome alignment analysis clustered the four hemp isolates together with higher average nucleotide identity to each other compared to isolates from grape, pear, and mango hosts. BUSCO analysis indicated high genome assembly completeness with 93.6-98.7% complete single-copy orthologs.

Conclusion

Comprehensive draft genome sequences for four N. parvum isolates from hemp were successfully generated and deposited in GenBank. These genomic resources provide a foundation for future studies on the molecular mechanisms underlying pathogenesis and host adaptation of this economically important fungal pathogen on hemp.
  • Published in:Microbiology Resource Announcements,
  • Study Type:Genome Sequencing Study,
  • Source: 10.1128/mra.01248-23, PMID: 38682959
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