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POSTERS: Molecular/Cellular Plant‐Microbe Interactions I

P-379 - De-novo genome assembly of Septoria lycopersici, the causal agent of Septoria leaf spot in tomatoes

Monday, August 4, 2025
4:30 PM - 5:15 PM HST
Location: Exhibit Hall 3

    Presenting Author(s)

  • RP

    Rajan Paudel (he/him/his)

    Graduate Research Assistant
    North Carolina State University
    Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

    • Author(s)

  • NM

    Norman Muzhinji

    Senior lecturer
    University of Free State
    Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa

  • AP

    Anju Pandey, PhD Candidate

    Graduate Research Assistant
    North Carolina State University
    Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

  • DP

    Dilip Panthee

    N C state University
    Mills River, North Carolina, United States

  • RD

    Ralph Dean

    N C state University
    Raleigh, North Carolina, United States

  • FL

    Frank J. Louws

    Professor
    North Carolina State University
    RALEIGH, North Carolina, United States

Abstract Text: Septoria lycopersici is a hemibiotrophic ascomycete fungus that causes Septoria leaf spot disease in tomatoes, posing a significant threat to global tomato production. An isolate of S. lycopersici was collected from symptomatic tomato plants in North Carolina in the summer of 2022. The genome sequence of this isolate was generated using PacBio SMRT and Illumina sequencing platforms. This study presents the first high-quality genome assembly of a Septoria lycopersici isolate, with a genome size of 30,552,273 base pairs and 7,747 coding genes. The assembly consists of 47 contigs, with a BUSCO completeness score of 98.9%, GC content of 54.6%, 1.51% interspersed repeats, and 2.58% tandem repeats. Future work will focus on effector discovery, CAZyme analysis, phylogenomic studies, and predicting secondary metabolites in the pathogen. This genome assembly provides a valuable resource for understanding the molecular mechanisms that underlie the interaction between S. lycopersici and tomatoes, contributing to the development of effective disease management strategies. Furthermore, this novel genomic data will enhance the global fungal genome database and support additional research on fungal pathogens affecting tomatoes.