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Whole-Genome Resequencing Reveals Genetic Variation and Selection Signals in Fusarium acuminatum Causing Astragalus
Bingyan Xia1, Jieyin Chen1, Bin Ma2
1State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China.
Journal of Fungi (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 27, 2026
Summary
Genetic analysis of Fusarium acuminatum causing Astragalus root rot reveals mixed population distribution and significant differentiation between Gansu and Ningxia regions. This highlights complex evolutionary patterns and potential positive selection pressures on the pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Genomics
Background:
- Astragalus root rot, caused by Fusarium spp., threatens the Astragalus industry.
- Fusarium acuminatum is a primary pathogen responsible for this disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic variation and adaptive evolution of Fusarium acuminatum.
- To analyze isolates from different geographical origins in major Astragalus production regions.
Main Methods:
- Whole-genome resequencing of 28 Fusarium acuminatum isolates.
- Population genetic analyses including SNP detection, nucleotide diversity (π), fixation index (Fst), Tajima's D, and Ka/Ks ratios.
Main Results:
- Complex, non-geographically specific distribution patterns of Fusarium acuminatum strains.
- Highest genetic diversity observed in the Dingxi, Gansu population.
- Significant genetic differentiation between Gansu and Ningxia populations (Fst > 0.15).
- Evidence of deviation from neutrality (positive Tajima's D) and potential positive selection (Ka/Ks > 1 for many genes).
Conclusions:
- Geographic isolation may restrict gene flow among pathogenic Fusarium acuminatum isolates.
- Fusarium acuminatum exhibits rich genetic diversity and complex evolutionary dynamics.
- Identified genes under potential positive selection warrant further investigation for targeted disease management strategies.
