This genome was sequenced as part of the JGI CSP "1KFG - Deep Sequencing of Ecologically-relevant Dikarya (CSP 1974) and more specifically as a part of the Dothideomycetes Sequencing Project, which seeks to densely sample members of a diverse lineage of saprotrophic, endophytic and pathogenic fungi to examine functional diversity of fungi with a shared evolutionary history.
Phyllosticta is an Ascomycete fungus in the Dothideomycetes clade. Phyllosticta spp. have globally been recorded as endophytes, plant pathogens and saprobes from a wide range of plant hosts. Several Phyllosticta species have been isolated from Citrus spp. worldwide. Some of these are causal agents of impactful diseases such as citrus black spot and tan spot, subjected to phytosanitary legislation in the EU and the U.S.A. Phyllosticta citrichinaensis was isolated from leaves and fruits of mandarins, pomeloes, oranges and lemon. This taxon caused minor irregular spots or freckles, showing a weak virulence. Considering their economic impact, whole genome sequences for all the species associated with citrus plants are needed to improve our understanding of the differences in pathogenicity and evolutionary separation. These data will also allow for the development of robust DNA barcodes for quick detection and will facilitate further research on this important Citrus pathogenic and non-pathogenic species.
Researchers who wish to publish analyses using data from unpublished CSP genomes are respectfully required to contact the PI and JGI to avoid potential conflicts on data use and coordinate other publications with the CSP master paper(s).
Genome Reference(s)
Buijs VA, Groenewald JZ, Haridas S, LaButti KM, Lipzen A, Martin FM, Barry K, Grigoriev IV, Crous PW, Seidl MF
Enemy or ally: a genomic approach to elucidate the lifestyle of Phyllosticta citrichinaensis.
G3 (Bethesda). 2022 May 6;12(5):. doi: 10.1093/g3journal/jkac061