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Navigating the Fusarium species complex: Host-range plasticity and genome variations
Victoria J Armer1, Erika Kroll1, Martin Darino1
1Protecting Crops and the Environment, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Herts, AL5 2JQ, UK.
Fungal Biology
|December 9, 2024
Summary
This study reviews the diverse ecological niches of Fusarium fungi, from plant pathogens to industrial strains. It explores genomic relationships across these varied Fusarium species and their environments.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Genomics
- Ecology
Background:
- The Ascomycete genus Fusarium comprises over 431 species with diverse lifestyles and ecological roles.
- Fusarium species inhabit a wide range of environments, including plant, human, animal, and invertebrate hosts, as well as natural and human-modified ecosystems.
- Extensive genomic data, including reference genomes and pangenomes, are available for numerous Fusarium species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a pan-Fusarium species review exploring the diverse ecological niches occupied by pathogenic and endophytic Fusarium.
- To investigate potential new relationships between contrasting Fusarium biologies, niches, and environmental occupancies.
- To understand the evolutionary trajectories of Fusarium genomes in relation to their diverse lifestyles.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of Fusarium species, their hosts, and ecological niches.
- Survey of pathogenic and endophytic Fusarium species across various environments.
- Analysis of available genomic data for 189 Fusarium species, including chromosome-scale genomes and pangenomes.
Main Results:
- Fusarium species exhibit remarkable adaptability, colonizing diverse hosts and environments, from natural ecosystems to industrial settings.
- Pathogenic and endophytic Fusarium species exploit a broad spectrum of ecological niches.
- Genomic data reveals extensive variation across Fusarium species, reflecting their diverse biologies and environmental adaptations.
Conclusions:
- Fusarium fungi represent a highly versatile genus with significant ecological and evolutionary breadth.
- Understanding the genomic basis of Fusarium's adaptability is crucial for managing its impact across various sectors.
- Further comparative genomic studies are needed to elucidate the evolutionary history and diversification of this important fungal genus.
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