1
|
Zhao D, Zhuang F, Ou C, Zhang Y, Liu X. Complete genome sequence of the carrot black rot pathogen Alternaria radicina isolate CBR2. Microb Pathog 2023; 185:106421. [PMID: 37871854 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Black rot, caused by Alternaria radicina, seriously endangers carrots throughout the growing season, affecting both leaves and fleshy roots. In this study, we sequenced and assembled the genome of the A. radicina isolate CBR2. The genome was 34.6 Mb in size and consisted of 6 scaffolds. The sequence information provided in this genome will be used as a reference for further comparative genomics analysis of Alternaria species and will contribute to disease control in carrot production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donghang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Feiyun Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Chenggang Ou
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Ulanqab City Science and Technology Commissioner Entrepreneurship Federation, Ulanqab, 011800, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Biobreeding, Institute of Vegetables and Flowers, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100081, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rai P, Prasad L, Rai PK. Fungal effectors versus defense-related genes of B. juncea and the status of resistant transgenics against fungal pathogens. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1139009. [PMID: 37360735 PMCID: PMC10285668 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1139009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Oilseed brassica has become instrumental in securing global food and nutritional security. B. juncea, colloquially known as Indian mustard, is cultivated across tropics and subtropics including Indian subcontinent. The production of Indian mustard is severely hampered by fungal pathogens which necessitates human interventions. Chemicals are often resorted to as they are quick and effective, but due to their economic and ecological unsustainability, there is a need to explore their alternatives. The B. juncea-fungal pathosystem is quite diverse as it covers broad-host range necrotrophs (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum), narrow-host range necrotrophs (Alternaria brassicae and A. brassicicola) and biotrophic oomycetes (Albugo candida and Hyaloperonospora brassica). Plants ward off fungal pathogens through two-step resistance mechanism; PTI which involves recognition of elicitors and ETI where the resistance gene (R gene) interacts with the fungal effectors. The hormonal signalling is also found to play a vital role in defense as the JA/ET pathway is initiated at the time of necrotroph infection and SA pathway is induced when the biotrophs attack plants. The review discuss the prevalence of fungal pathogens of Indian mustard and the studies conducted on effectoromics. It covers both pathogenicity conferring genes and host-specific toxins (HSTs) that can be used for a variety of purposes such as identifying cognate R genes, understanding pathogenicity and virulence mechanisms, and establishing the phylogeny of fungal pathogens. It further encompasses the studies on identifying resistant sources and characterisation of R genes/quantitative trait loci and defense-related genes identified in Brassicaceae and unrelated species which, upon introgression or overexpression, confer resistance. Finally, the studies conducted on developing resistant transgenics in Brassicaceae have been covered in which chitinase and glucanase genes are mostly used. The knowledge gained from this review can further be used for imparting resistance against major fungal pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prajjwal Rai
- Division of Plant Pathology, Indian Agriculture Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Laxman Prasad
- Division of Plant Pathology, Indian Agriculture Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | - Pramod Kumar Rai
- Division of Plant Pathology, Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Research, Bharatpur, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Amas JC, Thomas WJW, Zhang Y, Edwards D, Batley J. Key Advances in the New Era of Genomics-Assisted Disease Resistance Improvement of Brassica Species. PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2023:PHYTO08220289FI. [PMID: 36324059 DOI: 10.1094/phyto-08-22-0289-fi] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Disease resistance improvement remains a major focus in breeding programs as diseases continue to devastate Brassica production systems due to intensive cultivation and climate change. Genomics has paved the way to understand the complex genomes of Brassicas, which has been pivotal in the dissection of the genetic underpinnings of agronomic traits driving the development of superior cultivars. The new era of genomics-assisted disease resistance breeding has been marked by the development of high-quality genome references, accelerating the identification of disease resistance genes controlling both qualitative (major) gene and quantitative resistance. This facilitates the development of molecular markers for marker assisted selection and enables genome editing approaches for targeted gene manipulation to enhance the genetic value of disease resistance traits. This review summarizes the key advances in the development of genomic resources for Brassica species, focusing on improved genome references, based on long-read sequencing technologies and pangenome assemblies. This is further supported by the advances in pathogen genomics, which have resulted in the discovery of pathogenicity factors, complementing the mining of disease resistance genes in the host. Recognizing the co-evolutionary arms race between the host and pathogen, it is critical to identify novel resistance genes using crop wild relatives and synthetic cultivars or through genetic manipulation via genome-editing to sustain the development of superior cultivars. Integrating these key advances with new breeding techniques and improved phenotyping using advanced data analysis platforms will make disease resistance improvement in Brassica species more efficient and responsive to current and future demands.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junrey C Amas
- School of Biological Sciences and The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia 6001
| | - William J W Thomas
- School of Biological Sciences and The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia 6001
| | - Yueqi Zhang
- School of Biological Sciences and The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia 6001
| | - David Edwards
- School of Biological Sciences and The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia 6001
| | - Jacqueline Batley
- School of Biological Sciences and The UWA Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia 6001
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Transcriptome Analysis of the Necrotrophic Pathogen Alternaria brassicae Reveals Insights into Its Pathogenesis in Brassica juncea. Microbiol Spectr 2023:e0293922. [PMID: 36912684 PMCID: PMC10100672 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02939-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternaria blight or leaf spot caused by Alternaria brassicae has an enormous economic impact on the Brassica crops grown worldwide. Although the genome of A. brassicae has been sequenced, little is known about the genes that play a role during the infection of the host species. In this study, the transcriptome expression profile of A. brassicae during growth and infection was determined. Differential expression analysis revealed that 4,430 genes were differentially expressed during infection. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis helped identify 10 modules, which were highly correlated with growth and infection. Subsequent gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of the modules highlighted the involvement of biological processes such as toxin metabolism, ribosome biogenesis, polysaccharide catabolism, copper ion transport, and vesicular trafficking during infection. Additionally, 200 carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) and 80 potential effectors were significantly upregulated during infection. Furthermore, 18 secondary metabolite gene clusters were also differentially expressed during infection. The clusters responsible for the production of destruxin B, brassicicene C, and HC-toxin were significantly upregulated during infection. Collectively, these results provide an overview of the critical pathways underlying the pathogenesis of A. brassicae and highlight the distinct gene networks that are temporally regulated. The study thus provides novel insights into the transcriptional plasticity of a necrotrophic pathogen during infection of its host. Additionally, the in planta expression evidence for many potential effectors provides a theoretical basis for further investigations into the effector biology of necrotrophic pathogens such as A. brassicae. IMPORTANCE Alternaria brassicae is a necrotrophic pathogen that can infect almost all members of the Brassicaceae family. A. brassicae causes extensive yield losses in oilseed mustard and has practically restricted the cultivation of oilseed brassicas in regions with cool and foggy climatic conditions (foothills and mountainous terrains) where the severity of the pathogen is the highest. In this study, I identified the differentially expressed genes associated with the pathogenicity of A. brassicae through transcriptome sequencing. Also, I have been able to delineate pathways that are active during the early and late stages of infection. Consequently, this study has provided crucial insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of A. brassicae, an important necrotrophic pathogen.
Collapse
|
5
|
Whole-Genome Sequence Analysis of an Endophytic Fungus Alternaria sp. SPS-2 and Its Biosynthetic Potential of Bioactive Secondary Metabolites. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10091789. [PMID: 36144391 PMCID: PMC9503250 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10091789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
As one of the commonly isolated endophytic fungi, Alternaria has been known for the production of numerous secondary metabolites (SMs). However, its detailed genomic features and SM biosynthetic potential have not been extensively studied thus far. The present work focuses on the whole-genome sequencing and assembly of an endophytic strain Alternaria sp. SPS-2 derived from Echrysantha chrysantha Lindl. and gene annotation using various bioinformatic tools. The results of this study suggested that the genome of strain SPS-2 was 33.4 Mb in size with a GC content of 51% and an N50 scaffold of 2.6 Mb, and 9789 protein-coding genes, including 644 CAZyme-encoding genes, were discovered in strain SPS-2 through KEGG enrichment analysis. The antiSMASH results indicated that strain SPS-2 harbored 22 SM biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), 14 of which are cryptic and unknown. LS–MS/MS and GNPS-based analyses suggested that this endophytic fungus is a potential producer of bioactive SMs and merits further exploration and development.
Collapse
|
6
|
Transcriptome analysis reveals putative pathogenesis genes in Alternaria panax during infecting Panax notoginseng leaves. Genes Genomics 2022; 44:855-866. [PMID: 35622230 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-022-01241-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alternaria panax is the causative agent of black spot disease in Panax notoginseng, which causes significant yield loss. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its pathogenicity remain mostly unknown. OBJECTIVE We sequenced the transcriptome of A. panax during infecting P. notoginseng leaves using next-generation RNA-seq to understand the molecular aspects of black spot disease. METHODS In this study, we sequenced the A. panax transcriptome during infecting P. notoginseng leaves through next-generation sequencing to explore the pathogenesis genes that may be responsible for black spot disease on P. notoginseng. RESULT The de novo transcriptome assembly of A. panax produced 23,036 unigenes, of which 18,096 genes were functionally annotated by at least one protein database. GO enrichment analysis and KEGG pathways of differentially up-regulated genes suggest that most genes are associated with metabolic processes, catalytic activity, starch, and sucrose metabolism during infection. Many pathogenesis-associated genes, including genes encoding secreted proteins, candidate secreted effectors, cell wall degrading enzymes, transcription factors, and transporters, were up-regulated in A. panax during infection. In addition, the secondary metabolite biosynthesis genes, including cytochrome P450, and nonribosomal peptide synthetases, were also identified in this study. CONCLUSIONS Differential gene expression analysis has confirmed that A. panax infection was mainly present in the middle and final stages. The findings show that these pathogenesis-associated genes in A. panax may be critical for the P. notoginseng black spots disease.
Collapse
|
7
|
Grewling Ł, Magyar D, Chłopek K, Grinn-Gofroń A, Gwiazdowska J, Siddiquee A, Ianovici N, Kasprzyk I, Wójcik M, Lafférsová J, Majkowska-Wojciechowska B, Myszkowska D, Rodinkova V, Bortnyk M, Malkiewicz M, Piotrowska-Weryszko K, Sulborska-Różycka A, Rybniček O, Ščevková J, Šikoparija B, Skjøth CA, Smith M, Bogawski P. Bioaerosols on the atmospheric super highway: An example of long distance transport of Alternaria spores from the Pannonian Plain to Poland. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 819:153148. [PMID: 35041944 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Alternaria spores are pathogenic to agricultural crops, and the longest and the most severe sporulation seasons are predominantly recorded in rural areas, e.g. the Pannonian Plain (PP) in South-Central Europe. In Poland (Central Europe), airborne Alternaria spore concentrations peak between July and August. In this study, we test the hypothesis that the PP is the source of Alternaria spores recorded in Poland after the main sporulation season (September-October). Airborne Alternaria spores (2005-2019) were collected using volumetric Hirst spore traps located in 38 locations along the potential pathways of air masses, i.e. from Serbia, Romania and Hungary, through the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Ukraine, to Northern Poland. Three potential episodes of Long Distance Transport (LDT) were selected and characterized in detail, including the analysis of Alternaria spore data, back trajectory analysis, dispersal modelling, and description of local weather and mesoscale synoptic conditions. During selected episodes, increases in Alternaria spore concentrations in Poznań were recorded at unusual times that deviated from the typical diurnal pattern, i.e. at night or during morning hours. Alternaria spore concentrations on the PP were very high (>1000 spores/m3) at that time. The presence of non-local Ambrosia pollen, common to the PP, were also observed in the air. Air mass trajectory analysis and dispersal modelling showed that the northwest part of the PP, north of the Transdanubian Mountains, was the potential source area of Alternaria spores. Our results show that Alternaria spores are transported over long distances from the PP to Poland. These spores may markedly increase local exposure to Alternaria spores in the receptor area and pose a risk to both human and plant health. Alternaria spores followed the same atmospheric route as previously described LDT ragweed pollen, revealing the existence of an atmospheric super highway that transports bioaerosols from the south to the north of Europe.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Łukasz Grewling
- Laboratory of Aerobiology, Department of Systematic and Environmental Botany, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Donat Magyar
- National Public Health Institute, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | | | - Julia Gwiazdowska
- Laboratory of Aerobiology, Department of Systematic and Environmental Botany, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - Asad Siddiquee
- Laboratory of Aerobiology, Department of Systematic and Environmental Botany, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - Nicoleta Ianovici
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biology, and Geography, West University of Timisoara, Romania
| | - Idalia Kasprzyk
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Magdalena Wójcik
- Department of Biology, Institute of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Rzeszów, Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Janka Lafférsová
- Department of Environmental Biology, Public Health Office, Banská Bystrica, Slovakia
| | | | - Dorota Myszkowska
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Department of Clinical and Environmental Allergology, Kraków, Poland
| | | | - Mykyta Bortnyk
- National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsya, Ukraine; Vasyl' Stus Donetsk National University, Vinnytsia, Ukraine
| | | | | | | | - Ondrej Rybniček
- Paediatric Department, Allergy Unit, Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Ščevková
- Department of Botany, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Branko Šikoparija
- BioSense Institute - Research Institute for Information Technologies in Biosystems, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Carsten Ambelas Skjøth
- School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Worcester, United Kingdom
| | - Matt Smith
- School of Science and the Environment, University of Worcester, Worcester, United Kingdom
| | - Paweł Bogawski
- Laboratory of Biological Spatial Information, Department of Systematic and Environmental Botany, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Feng Z, Li Y, Ma X, Duan Y, Zhang R, Hsiang T, Niu Y, Sun G. Draft Genome Sequence of Alternaria longipes Causing Tobacco Brown Spot. PLANT DISEASE 2022; 106:734-736. [PMID: 34597148 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-06-21-1274-a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Alternaria is a cosmopolitan fungal genus associated with diverse hosts. Tobacco brown spot caused by Alternaria longipes is one of the most destructive diseases of tobacco. A. longipes can also infect many other plants, some animals and even humans. Here, we report a genome assembly of A. longipes CBS 540.94 using Oxford Nanopore Technologies. A total of 15 contigs were assembled, and the genome size was 37.5 Mb with contig N50 of 4.33 Mb. This genome resource will provide information for further research on comparative genomics of the genus Alternaria and be a valuable resource in investigations of the molecular interactions of pathogen and hosts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghong Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, China
| | - Yaxin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, China
| | - Xueyan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, China
| | - Yangbo Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, China
| | - Tom Hsiang
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Yongchun Niu
- Institute of Agricultural Resources and Regional Planning, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100081, China
| | - Guangyu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mei RF, Shi YX, Gan JL, Deng SP, Ding H, Cai L, Ding ZT. Interaction between Alternaria alternata and monoterpenoids caused by fungal self-protection. Process Biochem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2021.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
10
|
Duhan D, Gajbhiye S, Jaswal R, Singh RP, Sharma TR, Rajarammohan S. Functional Characterization of the Nep1-Like Protein Effectors of the Necrotrophic Pathogen - Alternaria brassicae. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:738617. [PMID: 34764943 PMCID: PMC8576325 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.738617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternaria brassicae is an important necrotrophic pathogen that infects the Brassicaceae family. A. brassicae, like other necrotrophs, also secretes various proteinaceous effectors and metabolites that cause cell death to establish itself in the host. However, there has been no systematic study of A. brassicae effectors and their roles in pathogenesis. The availability of the genome sequence of A. brassicae in public domain has enabled the search for effectors and their functional characterization. Nep1-like proteins (NLPs) are a superfamily of proteins that induce necrosis and ethylene biosynthesis. They have been reported from a variety of microbes including bacteria, fungi, and oomycetes. In this study, we identified two NLPs from A. brassicae viz. AbrNLP1 and AbrNLP2 and functionally characterized them. Although both AbrNLPs were found to be secretory in nature, they localized differentially inside the plant. AbrNLP2 was found to induce necrosis in both host and non-host species, while AbrNLP1 could not induce necrosis in both species. Additionally, AbrNLP2 was shown to induce pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-triggered immunity in both host and non-host species. Overall, our study indicates that AbrNLPs are functionally and spatially (subcellular location) distinct and may play different but important roles during the pathogenesis of A. brassicae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Duhan
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Mohali, India
| | - Shivani Gajbhiye
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Mohali, India
| | - Rajdeep Jaswal
- Agricultural Biotechnology Division, National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Mohali, India
| | - Ravindra Pal Singh
- Nutritional Biotechnology Division, National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Mohali, India
| | - Tilak Raj Sharma
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Division of Crop Science, Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Witte TE, Harris LJ, Nguyen HDT, Hermans A, Johnston A, Sproule A, Dettman JR, Boddy CN, Overy DP. Apicidin biosynthesis is linked to accessory chromosomes in Fusarium poae isolates. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:591. [PMID: 34348672 PMCID: PMC8340494 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07617-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fusarium head blight is a disease of global concern that reduces crop yields and renders grains unfit for consumption due to mycotoxin contamination. Fusarium poae is frequently associated with cereal crops showing symptoms of Fusarium head blight. While previous studies have shown F. poae isolates produce a range of known mycotoxins, including type A and B trichothecenes, fusarins and beauvericin, genomic analysis suggests that this species may have lineage-specific accessory chromosomes with secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters awaiting description. METHODS We examined the biosynthetic potential of 38 F. poae isolates from Eastern Canada using a combination of long-read and short-read genome sequencing and untargeted, high resolution mass spectrometry metabolome analysis of extracts from isolates cultured in multiple media conditions. RESULTS A high-quality assembly of isolate DAOMC 252244 (Fp157) contained four core chromosomes as well as seven additional contigs with traits associated with accessory chromosomes. One of the predicted accessory contigs harbours a functional biosynthetic gene cluster containing homologs of all genes associated with the production of apicidins. Metabolomic and genomic analyses confirm apicidins are produced in 4 of the 38 isolates investigated and genomic PCR screening detected the apicidin synthetase gene APS1 in approximately 7% of Eastern Canadian isolates surveyed. CONCLUSIONS Apicidin biosynthesis is linked to isolate-specific putative accessory chromosomes in F. poae. The data produced here are an important resource for furthering our understanding of accessory chromosome evolution and the biosynthetic potential of F. poae.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E. Witte
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa Research and Development Centre, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Linda J. Harris
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa Research and Development Centre, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Hai D. T. Nguyen
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa Research and Development Centre, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Anne Hermans
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa Research and Development Centre, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Anne Johnston
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa Research and Development Centre, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Amanda Sproule
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa Research and Development Centre, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Jeremy R. Dettman
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa Research and Development Centre, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Christopher N. Boddy
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - David P. Overy
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa Research and Development Centre, Ottawa, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bonthala B, Small CS, Lutz MA, Graf A, Krebs S, Sepúlveda G, Stam R. ONT-Based Draft Genome Assembly and Annotation of Alternaria atra. MOLECULAR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS : MPMI 2021; 34:870-873. [PMID: 33779266 DOI: 10.1094/mpmi-01-21-0016-a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Species of Alternaria (phylum Ascomycota, family Pleosporaceae) are known as serious plant pathogens, causing major losses on a wide range of crops. Alternaria atra (previously known as Ulocladium atrum) can grow as a saprophyte on many hosts and causes Ulocladium blight on potato. It has been reported that it can also be used as a biocontrol agent against Botrytis cinerea. Here, we present a scaffold-level reference genome assembly for A. atra. The assembly contains 43 scaffolds with a total length of 39.62 Mbp, with scaffold N50 of 3,893,166 bp, L50 of 4, and the longest 10 scaffolds containing 89.9% of the assembled data. RNA-sequencing-guided gene prediction using BRAKER resulted in 12,173 protein-coding genes with their functional annotation. This first high-quality reference genome assembly and annotation for A. atra can be used as a resource for studying evolution in the highly complicated Alternaria genus and might help in understanding the mechanisms defining its role as pathogen or biocontrol agent.[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bhawna Bonthala
- Chair of Phytopathology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Corinn S Small
- Chair of Phytopathology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Maximilian A Lutz
- Chair of Phytopathology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Alexander Graf
- Gene Centre Munich, Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Krebs
- Gene Centre Munich, Laboratory for Functional Genome Analysis, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - German Sepúlveda
- Departmento de recursos Ambientales, Facultad de Ciencias Agronómicas, Universidad de Tarapacá, Arica, Chile
| | - Remco Stam
- Chair of Phytopathology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Rajarammohan S. Redefining Plant-Necrotroph Interactions: The Thin Line Between Hemibiotrophs and Necrotrophs. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:673518. [PMID: 33995337 PMCID: PMC8113614 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.673518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
|
14
|
Witte TE, Villeneuve N, Boddy CN, Overy DP. Accessory Chromosome-Acquired Secondary Metabolism in Plant Pathogenic Fungi: The Evolution of Biotrophs Into Host-Specific Pathogens. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:664276. [PMID: 33968000 PMCID: PMC8102738 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.664276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Accessory chromosomes are strain- or pathotype-specific chromosomes that exist in addition to the core chromosomes of a species and are generally not considered essential to the survival of the organism. Among pathogenic fungal species, accessory chromosomes harbor pathogenicity or virulence factor genes, several of which are known to encode for secondary metabolites that are involved in plant tissue invasion. Accessory chromosomes are of particular interest due to their capacity for horizontal transfer between strains and their dynamic "crosstalk" with core chromosomes. This review focuses exclusively on secondary metabolism (including mycotoxin biosynthesis) associated with accessory chromosomes in filamentous fungi and the role accessory chromosomes play in the evolution of secondary metabolite gene clusters. Untargeted metabolomics profiling in conjunction with genome sequencing provides an effective means of linking secondary metabolite products with their respective biosynthetic gene clusters that reside on accessory chromosomes. While the majority of literature describing accessory chromosome-associated toxin biosynthesis comes from studies of Alternaria pathotypes, the recent discovery of accessory chromosome-associated biosynthetic genes in Fusarium species offer fresh insights into the evolution of biosynthetic enzymes such as non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs), polyketide synthases (PKSs) and regulatory mechanisms governing their expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E. Witte
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa Research and Development Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Nicolas Villeneuve
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa Research and Development Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Christopher N. Boddy
- Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - David P. Overy
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa Research and Development Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Feng Z, Hsiang T, Liang X, Zhang R, Sun G. Draft Genome Sequence of Cumin Blight Pathogen Alternaria burnsii. PLANT DISEASE 2021; 105:1165-1167. [PMID: 32990522 DOI: 10.1094/pdis-02-20-0224-a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The fungal genus Alternaria consists of highly diverse species. They can be isolated readily from soil, water, and many plants, and even from animals and humans. Alternaria burnsii is a small-spored species of section Alternaria. It has been reported as a pathogen, an endophyte, and a saprophyte, and can also be found in indoor air. It causes cumin blight, a destructive disease on cumin (Cuminum cyminum), and also causes other serious diseases, such as pumpkin seed rot, date palm leaf spot, wheat leaf spot, and gray spot of Notopterygium incisum. In this study, we sequenced and assembled the first genome of A. burnsii isolate CBS 107.38. The draft genome can be used as a reference for the further study of related pathogens and comparative genomics of Alternaria species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghong Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, China
| | - Tom Hsiang
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Xiaofei Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, China
| | - Guangyu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas and College of Plant Protection, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi Province 712100, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Singh KP, Kumari P, Rai PK. Current Status of the Disease-Resistant Gene(s)/QTLs, and Strategies for Improvement in Brassica juncea. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2021; 12:617405. [PMID: 33747001 PMCID: PMC7965955 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2021.617405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Brassica juncea is a major oilseed crop in tropical and subtropical countries, especially in south-east Asia like India, China, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. The widespread cultivation of genetically similar varieties tends to attract fungal pathogens which cause heavy yield losses in the absence of resistant sources. The conventional disease management techniques are often expensive, have limited efficacy, and cause additional harm to the environment. A substantial approach is to identify and use of resistance sources within the Brassica hosts and other non-hosts to ensure sustainable oilseed crop production. In the present review, we discuss six major fungal pathogens of B. juncea: Sclerotinia stem rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum), Alternaria blight (Alternaria brassicae), White rust (Albugo candida), Downy mildew (Hyaloperonospora parasitica), Powdery mildew (Erysiphe cruciferarum), and Blackleg (Leptoshaeria maculans). From discussing studies on pathogen prevalence in B. juncea, the review then focuses on highlighting the resistance sources and quantitative trait loci/gene identified so far from Brassicaceae and non-filial sources against these fungal pathogens. The problems in the identification of resistance sources for B. juncea concerning genome complexity in host subpopulation and pathotypes were addressed. Emphasis has been laid on more elaborate and coordinated research to identify and deploy R genes, robust techniques, and research materials. Examples of fully characterized genes conferring resistance have been discussed that can be transformed into B. juncea using advanced genomics tools. Lastly, effective strategies for B. juncea improvement through introgression of novel R genes, development of pre-breeding resistant lines, characterization of pathotypes, and defense-related secondary metabolites have been provided suggesting the plan for the development of resistant B. juncea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaushal Pratap Singh
- ICAR-Directorate of Rapeseed-Mustard Research, Bharatpur, India
- *Correspondence: Kaushal Pratap Singh,
| | - Preetesh Kumari
- Genetics Division, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Correction to: Comparative genomics of Alternaria species provides insights into the pathogenic lifestyle of Alternaria brassicae – a pathogen of the Brassicaceae family. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:82. [PMID: 31992197 PMCID: PMC6988208 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-6504-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
|
18
|
Neik TX, Amas J, Barbetti M, Edwards D, Batley J. Understanding Host-Pathogen Interactions in Brassica napus in the Omics Era. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2020; 9:E1336. [PMID: 33050509 PMCID: PMC7599536 DOI: 10.3390/plants9101336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Brassica napus (canola/oilseed rape/rapeseed) is an economically important crop, mostly found in temperate and sub-tropical regions, that is cultivated widely for its edible oil. Major diseases of Brassica crops such as Blackleg, Clubroot, Sclerotinia Stem Rot, Downy Mildew, Alternaria Leaf Spot and White Rust have caused significant yield and economic losses in rapeseed-producing countries worldwide, exacerbated by global climate change, and, if not remedied effectively, will threaten global food security. To gain further insights into the host-pathogen interactions in relation to Brassica diseases, it is critical that we review current knowledge in this area and discuss how omics technologies can offer promising results and help to push boundaries in our understanding of the resistance mechanisms. Omics technologies, such as genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics and metabolomics approaches, allow us to understand the host and pathogen, as well as the interaction between the two species at a deeper level. With these integrated data in multi-omics and systems biology, we are able to breed high-quality disease-resistant Brassica crops in a more holistic, targeted and accurate way.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Xiang Neik
- Sunway College Kuala Lumpur, Bandar Sunway 47500, Selangor, Malaysia;
| | - Junrey Amas
- School of Biological Sciences and Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia; (J.A.); (D.E.)
| | - Martin Barbetti
- School of Agriculture and Environment and Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia;
| | - David Edwards
- School of Biological Sciences and Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia; (J.A.); (D.E.)
| | - Jacqueline Batley
- School of Biological Sciences and Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia; (J.A.); (D.E.)
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Baldi P, La Porta N. Molecular Approaches for Low-Cost Point-of-Care Pathogen Detection in Agriculture and Forestry. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:570862. [PMID: 33193502 PMCID: PMC7655913 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.570862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Early detection of plant diseases is a crucial factor to prevent or limit the spread of a rising infection that could cause significant economic loss. Detection test on plant diseases in the laboratory can be laborious, time consuming, expensive, and normally requires specific technical expertise. Moreover, in the developing countries, it is often difficult to find laboratories equipped for this kind of analysis. Therefore, in the past years, a high effort has been made for the development of fast, specific, sensitive, and cost-effective tests that can be successfully used in plant pathology directly in the field by low-specialized personnel using minimal equipment. Nucleic acid-based methods have proven to be a good choice for the development of detection tools in several fields, such as human/animal health, food safety, and water analysis, and their application in plant pathogen detection is becoming more and more common. In the present review, the more recent nucleic acid-based protocols for point-of-care (POC) plant pathogen detection and identification are described and analyzed. All these methods have a high potential for early detection of destructive diseases in agriculture and forestry, they should help make molecular detection for plant pathogens accessible to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. We do not suggest that on-site methods should replace lab testing completely, which remains crucial for more complex researches, such as identification and classification of new pathogens or the study of plant defense mechanisms. Instead, POC analysis can provide a useful, fast, and efficient preliminary on-site screening that is crucial in the struggle against plant pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Baldi
- IASMA Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Trento, Italy
- *Correspondence: Paolo Baldi,
| | - Nicola La Porta
- IASMA Research and Innovation Centre, Fondazione Edmund Mach, Trento, Italy
- The EFI Project Centre on Mountain Forests (MOUNTFOR), San Michele a/Adige, Trento, Italy
| |
Collapse
|