Genomic and Transcriptomic Comparisons of the Twig Blight Pathogen, , with Foliar and Conifer Pathogens.

is a foliar pathogen to conifer tree species. In this study, we conducted whole-genome and transcriptome analyses on isolates of collected from symptomatic Leyland cypress leaves from a Christmas tree farm in Mississippi. The objectives for this research were to elucidate the pathogenicity mechanisms of by characterizing the genome and transcriptome and possibly identify unique and shared predicted genes in comparison with non-conifer/canker and foliar pathogens in the family . was found to be similar to other foliar pathogens and likely represents a hemibiotrophic lifestyle based on comparisons across pathogens. The genome and in planta transcriptome highlighted some unique features of : the significant presence of chitin synthases and fructose-degrading carbohydrate-degrading enzymes, trans-AT PKS genes, and antibiotic gene clusters that were unique to compared with the other species genomes. Several transcripts that were highly expressed in planta were identified as effectors, yet the functions were not characterized. These targets provide ample resources to continue to characterize pathogen-conifer host interactions in conifer foliar pathogens. Furthermore, this research helps build genomic resources for an important plant pathogen on Leyland cypress that will further our ability to develop novel management practices that could begin with breeding for resistance.