Decoding the complete genome of the fungus responsible for Cercospora leaf spot in olive trees
Why it matters: This genome unlocks new strategies to protect olive crops from devastating disease and economic losses.
- UCO's Agronomy and Genetics departments collaborated to overcome the challenge of isolating the fungus and obtaining high-quality DNA/RNA, a critical step previously hindering genome sequencing.
- Juan Moral, who led the phytopathology component, emphasized the importance of developing a precise isolation protocol to obtain the necessary genetic material.
- José V. Die, leading the genetic component, highlighted the identification of 491 genes dedicated to degrading olive tree cell walls and 434 effector proteins that inhibit the tree's natural resistance.
- Cristina Estudillo, the lead author, stated that this genome is a key tool for breeding programs to develop resistant olive varieties and further understand fungus-olive tree interactions.
- The sequenced genome has been made openly available to the research community, accelerating future studies on this pathogen.
Researchers at the University of Cordoba have successfully sequenced the complete genome of Pseudocercospora cladosporioides, the fungus responsible for Cercospora leaf spot, a disease causing up to €50 million in annual losses for olive growers. This breakthrough, achieved through interdepartmental collaboration, provides crucial insights into the fungus's infection mechanisms, including its cell wall-degrading enzymes and resistance-inhibiting effector proteins.
