Draft Genome Sequence of Phoma arachidicola Wb2 Causing Peanut Web Blotch in China.

Peanut web blotch, a peanut disease with both web and blotch symptom leaflets, is an emerging threat for peanut cultivation worldwide and one of the most important fungal diseases in China. However, the limited pieces of information in genomic resources and pathogenesis are the major constraints to integrated disease management. The genome contains a large number of pathogenicity-related genes, but the genomic information of the pathogen is still blank. Considering this fact, current study presented the draft genome sequence of a Phoma arachidicola isolate named Wb2. Strain Wb2 was isolated from peanut leaves with typical web blotch symptoms, and identified as Phoma arachidicola based on morphological characteristics and phylogenic analysis using ITS sequence. The draft genome of Wb2 is about 34.11 Mb and contains 37330 open reading frames (ORFs), with G + C content 49.23%. The strain Wb2 has an abundance of secreted oxidases, peroxidases, and carbohydrate-active enzymes for degrading cell wall polysaccharides and penetrating into the host tissue. The genome information of Wb2 will help to better understand the mechanisms of interaction between P. arachidicola and peanuts. Furthermore, the genome-based plant-pathogen interaction analysis will provide clues for disease control, which is essential to ensure peanut production and food security.