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Genome assemblies for Pyricularia species and related genera isolated from diverse host plants

Summary

Scientists have sequenced the complete genetic blueprints of 35 fungal strains belonging to Pyricularia species and related genera, which cause devastating blast diseases in crops like rice and wheat. By analyzing genetic differences between strains that infect different grass species, researchers found that most Pyricularia oryzae strains show strong preferences for specific host plants. These new genome resources will help scientists understand how fungal pathogens evolve and adapt to new plant hosts, potentially improving disease management strategies.

Background

Pyricularia oryzae causes blast diseases in rice, wheat, and diverse grass species. Recent discoveries revealed host-specialized populations in Brazil and the influence of admixture on host range expansion. Understanding the evolutionary history of Pyricularia populations requires genomic resources from understudied species and populations.

Objective

To develop genomic resources for understudied Pyricularia populations and related genera to fill critical gaps in the species’ evolutionary history and provide insights into genome expansions and mechanisms driving colonization of new plant hosts.

Results

Thirty-five genome assemblies were generated ranging from 32.7 to 44.9 Mb with BUSCO scores exceeding 96%. Predicted genes ranged from 10,465 to 14,617 with approximately 12.5% classified as candidate secreted proteins. Phylogenetic analysis of 327,024 SNPs showed 20 of 23 P. oryzae isolates clustered according to host-of-origin, demonstrating host specialization.

Conclusion

These 35 genomes provide valuable resources for studying Pyricularia evolution, genetic divergence, host adaptation, and genome dynamics. The data supports host specialization in P. oryzae and validates prior classifications of distinct Pyricularia and Pseudopyricularia species.
  • Published in:Microbiology Resource Announcements,
  • Study Type:Genomic Resource Report,
  • Source: 10.1128/mra.00091-25, PMID: 41283688
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