Genomics of the expanding pine pathogen Lecanosticta acicola reveals patterns of ongoing genetic admixture.

ABSTRACT: Lecanosticta acicola is the causal agent for brown spot needle blight that affects pine trees across the northern hemisphere. Based on marker genes and microsatellite data, two distinct lineages have been identified that were introduced into Europe on two separate occasions. Despite their overall distinct geographic distribution, they have been found to coexist in regions of northern Spain and France. Here, we present the first genome-wide study of Lecanosticta acicola, including assembly of the reference genome and a population genomics analysis of 70 natural isolates from northern Spain. We show that most of the isolates belong to the southern lineage but show signs of introgression with northern lineage isolates, indicating mating between the two lineages. We also identify

SUBMITTER: Marcet-Houben M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10949461 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature