Complete genome sequence analysis of Boeremia exigua, a fungal pathogen causing leaf spot disease of Panax
Shuang Ma1, Teng Wang1, Zhongjian Chen1
1Wenshan Sanqi Institute of Science and Technology, College of Notoginseng Medicine and Pharmacy, Wenshan University, Wenshan, 663000, China.
Background:
In 2022, a new leaf spot disease caused by a strain of Boeremia exigua (Desm.) Aveskamp was discovered on fully expanded leaves. However, the genomic basis and pathogenic mechanisms of the pathogens responsible for Panax notoginseng leaf spot remain poorly understood. This study reports, for the first time, the complete genome sequence of B. exigua, the pathogen causing P. notoginseng leaf spot in China. We performed sequencing, de novo assembly, and genomic analysis of strain HEI-C.
Results:
The HEI-C genome was estimated to be approximately 26.35 Mb in size, with a 53.14% GC content. Among the 11,701 predicted genes, 11,478 (98.09%) showed significant similarity to genes in the NCBI nr database. Phylogenetic analysis based on the HEI-C ITS sequence and whole genome revealed that HEI-C is most closely related to Boeremia sp. Among its coding genes, 412 putative CAZy genes belonging to five CAZy classes were identified, which are associated with plant cell wall degradation. A total of 252 secondary metabolite gene clusters of various types were predicted. Additionally, using the PHI (Pathogen-Host Interactions) database, we identified 47 effector proteins and 91 virulence-enhancing factors.
Conclusion:
The complete genome sequence of B. exigua, the causal agent of P. notoginseng leaf spot, enhances our understanding of its pathogenicity and virulence. Therefore, this study provides a theoretical foundation for investigating its pathogenic mechanisms and developing improved disease management strategies.
