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Identification and virulence factors prediction of Didymella segeticola causing leaf spot disease in Asarum heterotropoides in China

Summary

This research identifies a fungal disease causing serious damage to Chinese wild ginger crops in northeastern China. Scientists found that the fungus Didymella segeticola causes leaf spot disease and identified 87 proteins that help the fungus harm the plants. The study provides important information for developing strategies to prevent this disease and protect this valuable medicinal herb crop.

Background

Chinese wild ginger (Asarum heterotropoides) is a perennial medicinal herb cultivated extensively in northeastern China. In 2022, a leaf spot disease outbreak was observed with diseased field rates of 75.2% and plant loss rates of approximately 5.0% in the Xinbin cultivation base.

Objective

This study aimed to identify the causative agent of leaf spot disease in Asarum heterotropoides and predict its virulence factors through phylogenetic analysis, morphological characterization, and bioinformatic approaches.

Results

Seven Didymella segeticola strains were identified as the causal agent of Asarum leaf spot disease. The reference genome encoded 87 putative virulence-associated proteins categorized as lethal (54 proteins, TOXA gene), increased virulence (19 proteins, ChVel1 and ChLae1 genes), and effector proteins (14 proteins, SRE1, Cgfl, StACE1, and RsRplA genes). PPI network analysis revealed distinct phenotypic specificity with four functional clusters showing correlation between interaction patterns and pathogenicity phenotypes.

Conclusion

D. segeticola is confirmed as a new pathogen causing Asarum leaf spot in northeastern China, extending its known host range. The identification of 87 virulence effectors and their functional annotation provides crucial insights into pathogenic mechanisms. These findings establish a foundation for future research on disease management strategies and breeding resistant cultivars.
  • Published in:Scientific Reports,
  • Study Type:Experimental Study,
  • Source: PMID: 40097684, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-94398-z
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