Title : Whole genome sequencing and comparative genomics of Ceratocystis fimbriata and integrated disease management strategies against wilt in pomegranate
Abstract:
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), an important fruit crop of India, is commercially cultivated in the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu. Pomegranate is affected by many serious diseases, among them pomegranate wilt disease caused by Ceratocystis fimbriata has been appearing in devastating form. Whole genome sequencing libraries were prepared and sequenced using Illumina NextSeq500 Pairedend sequencing with 150*2. De-novo assembly of Illumina PE data was performed using SPAdes assembler. Gene prediction was carried out using the tool Augustus- 3.1 and a total of 7773 genes were found in the assembled scaffold. Genes were annotated using NCBI BLAST 2.2.29 with the proteins of Fungi kingdom taken from Uniprot database. Pathway analysis was done by using KAAS Server using reference fungus organisms. The present genome analysis is used for comparative analysis with that of the draft genome sequence of the available CF (sweet potato isolate) and the other two species of Ceratocystidaceae family, C. manginecans and C. albifundus and possible identification of isolate/ species specific genes. The identification of resistant rootstock will pave the new ways for developing durable resistance and to reduce the expenditure of management, few of the accessions recorded delayed disease expressions up to 180 days. Only three cultivars Bedana Sur, Yercaud and Yercaud local display no wilting symptom post one year post pathogen inoculation. The tolerant lines will be used for further crop improvement programme. Disease can be managed effectively by adopting integrated management practices including sanitation, cultural methods, chemical control and use of resistant cultivars. Research highlights • Huge amount of genome-scale functional data like transcriptomes and proteomes of fungi provides an opportunity to systematically examine the pathophysiology of pathogen and also It gives clue for the specific genes or signature to be targeted. • The similarity/diversity within Ceratocystidaceae family memebers would reveal the evolution lineage of the family. • Wilt resistant rootstock will be identified to evolve suitable wilt resistant variety to ensuring more economical, feasible and effective wilt management approach. • Prophylactic treatments using bioconsortia and treatments targeting the causal agents in association with wilt in advance before expression of the wilt symptoms could be potential means of wilt management.
