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Integrated genome and transcriptome analysis reveals pathogenic mechanisms of Calonectria eucalypti in Eucalyptus leaf blight

Summary

This research examines a dangerous fungus called Calonectria eucalypti that destroys eucalyptus trees worldwide. Scientists sequenced the fungus’s complete genetic code and tracked which genes turn on during infection, discovering that the pathogen uses different sets of genes at different stages of infection. By identifying key virulence genes and understanding how the fungus attacks plant cells, this research provides a foundation for developing better ways to prevent and manage eucalyptus leaf blight disease.

Background

Calonectria eucalypti is a destructive fungal pathogen causing Eucalyptus leaf blight in China and Indonesia, with significant economic impact on global eucalyptus plantations. Despite its importance, the molecular mechanisms underlying its pathogenicity remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to characterize the genomic and transcriptomic basis of C. eucalypti virulence.

Objective

To assemble a high-quality genome of C. eucalypti and conduct integrated genome and transcriptome analyses to reveal pathogenic mechanisms during infection of Eucalyptus urophylla × E. tereticornis. The study examined temporal gene expression patterns at key infection stages to identify stage-specific deployment of pathogenicity factors.

Results

The 62.1 Mb genome contained 13,112 predicted genes including 1,006 CAZymes, 351 candidate effectors, and 90 secondary metabolite biosynthetic clusters. Time-course transcriptomics identified 708 differentially expressed CAZyme genes, 188 putative effectors, and 68 SMGCs with stage-specific expression patterns. Glycoside hydrolases were the most abundantly induced CAZyme family, with genes like GH28 polygalacturonase showing high expression during host colonization.

Conclusion

This study provides the first integrative genome and infection-stage transcriptome map of C. eucalypti, revealing coordinated, stage-specific deployment of pathogenicity-related gene clusters. The findings establish a foundational resource for understanding fungal virulence mechanisms and developing targeted disease management strategies for Eucalyptus leaf blight.
  • Published in:BMC Genomics,
  • Study Type:Genomic and Transcriptomic Analysis,
  • Source: PMID: 40717072, DOI: 10.1186/s12864-025-11884-4
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