Chromosome-Scale Genome Assembly of Strain Fo47, a Fungal Endophyte and Biocontrol Agent.

Here, we report a chromosome-level genome assembly of Fo47 (12 pseudomolecules; contig N: 4.52 Mb), generated using a combination of PacBio long-read, Illumina paired end, and high-throughput chromosome conformation capture sequencing data. Although causes vascular wilt to over 100 plant species, the strain Fo47 is classified as an endophyte and is widely used as a biocontrol agent for plant disease control.

EBR1 genomic expansion and its role in virulence of Fusarium species.

Genome sequencing of Fusarium oxysporum revealed that pathogenic forms of this fungus harbour supernumerary chromosomes with a wide variety of genes, many of which likely encode traits required for pathogenicity or niche specialization. Specific transcription factor gene families are expanded on these chromosomes including the EBR1 family (Enhanced Branching). The significance of the EBR1 family expansion on supernumerary chromosomes and whether EBR1 paralogues are functional is currently unknown.

The endophytic strain Fusarium oxysporum Fo47: a good candidate for priming the defense responses in tomato roots.

The protective Fusarium oxysporum strain Fo47 is effective in controlling Fusarium wilt in tomato. Previous studies have demonstrated the role of direct antagonism and involvement of induced resistance. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether priming of plant defense responses is a mechanism by which Fo47 controls Fusarium wilt.

Real-time PCR detection of Ochroconis lascauxensis involved in the formation of black stains in the Lascaux Cave, France.

A real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay was developed to detect and quantify Ochroconis lascauxensis in the Lascaux Cave in France. This fungus is the principal causal agent of the black stains threatening the Paleolithic paintings of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The black stains outbreak could not be stopped in spite of using intensive biocide treatments.

Degradation of aromatic compounds through the β-ketoadipate pathway is required for pathogenicity of the tomato wilt pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici.

Plant roots react to pathogen attack by the activation of general and systemic resistance, including the lignification of cell walls and increased release of phenolic compounds in root exudate. Some fungi have the capacity to degrade lignin using ligninolytic extracellular peroxidases and laccases. Aromatic lignin breakdown products are further catabolized via the β-ketoadipate pathway.