Scientists sequenced the complete genetic code of a soil bacterium called Bacillus licheniformis strain KNU11. This bacterium produces powerful enzymes and can break down pollutants, making it useful for cleaning up environmental contamination and promoting plant growth. The genetic blueprint revealed over 4,000 genes that enable these beneficial capabilities.
Strawberry farmers face two serious diseases caused by a water-mold pathogen: crown rot that kills the whole plant and leather rot that spoils the fruit. Scientists sequenced the DNA of different disease-causing strains to understand why some strains can infect only fruit while others destroy the entire plant. They found that highly virulent strains have specific genetic changes in genes that help the pathogen escape the plant’s immune system, which could help develop better disease control strategies.
Scientists successfully sequenced the complete genome of Hericium coralloides, a medicinal mushroom used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating heart disease, cancer, and stomach problems. Using advanced sequencing technology combining long-read and short-read methods, they assembled the 55 million base pair genome containing over 11,700 genes. This genetic blueprint reveals the mushroom contains genes for producing beneficial enzymes and compounds with therapeutic potential. This milestone opens the door for future research to develop new medicines based on this mushroom’s natural bioactive properties.
Scientists have decoded the complete genetic instruction manual for a fungus that causes a deadly disease in palm trees. The fungus, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. palmarum, kills palm trees by causing one-sided leaf death that spreads upward through the canopy. By sequencing the fungus’s mitochondrial genome—the energy-producing part of its cells—researchers have created a tool that can help quickly and accurately identify this pathogen in infected plants. This discovery will help nurseries and gardeners detect and prevent the spread of this destructive disease.
Scientists have developed improved methods to extract high-quality DNA from pathogenic fungi, which is essential for sequencing and understanding how these fungi cause plant diseases. Two different extraction techniques were refined and tested on Magnaporthaceae fungi: one that works with small amounts of fungal material, and another that produces longer DNA strands when more material is available. The key to success is harvesting the fungi before they accumulate dark pigments that interfere with DNA extraction. These protocols will help researchers create better genome maps of disease-causing fungi, leading to improved strategies for crop protection.
Scientists sequenced the complete genome of a fungus that causes disease in tobacco plants. The fungus, Fusarium oxysporum, was isolated from diseased tobacco roots in China. The resulting genetic blueprint contains over 17,000 genes and will help researchers develop better ways to prevent and control this destructive plant disease.