Skip to main content
ARS Home » Northeast Area » Beltsville, Maryland (BARC) » Beltsville Agricultural Research Center » Food Quality Laboratory » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #302998
Title: GenBank submission of draft whole genome sequence of the apple decay pathogen Penicillium expansum isolate (R19)

Author
item Yu, Jiujiang
item Jurick, Wayne
item Gaskins, Verneta
item ZHOU, BIN - University Of Maryland
item LOSADA, L. - J Craig Venter Institute
item ZAFAR, N. - J Craig Venter Institute
item KIM, M. - J Craig Venter Institute
item NIERMAN, WILLIAM - J Craig Venter Institute

Submitted to: National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/8/2014
Publication Date: 4/8/2014
Publication URL: http://handle.nal.usda.gov/10113/59021
Citation: Yu, J., Jurick Ii, W.M., Gaskins, V.L., Zhou, B., Losada, L., Zafar, N., Kim, M., Nierman, W.C. 2014. GenBank submission of draft whole genome sequence of the apple decay pathogen Penicillium expansum isolate (R19). National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). DOI:ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nuccore/607839050.

Interpretive Summary: Penicillium expansum (R19), is the most virulent fungus that causes decay of apples during storage (5). In order to understand the genetic mechanism contributing to fungal virulence, spore germination, and mycotoxin production, the genome of the wild-type strain of P. expansum (R19) was sequenced and annotated. The sequence data have been released to the public for further dissemination by scientists worldwide. Further analysis of the Penicillium genome will help us to identify genes involved in the decaying process of pome fruit during storage. The genetic and genome information will help us in devising specific strategies to prevent or reduce economic losses to agriculture and to the fruit processing industry.

Technical Abstract: Penicillium species cause postharvest blue mold decay of apple and pear fruits in the United States and around the world. This genus is responsible for severe economic losses and produces an array of mycotoxins that contaminate processed apple products. Among the species that cause blue mold, isolates of P. expansum are the most prevalent, causing in excess of 50 percent of the decay during storage. As part of our efforts to understand the genetic mechanisms contributing to pathogen virulence, spore germination, and mycotoxin production, the entire genome of P. expansum (R19 isolate) was sequenced using the Illumina platform. After assembly of the raw sequences, the genome is estimated to contain 31.4 million base pairs. The genome size is similar to that previously reported for P. chrysogenum. All of the sequences have been deposited in the NCBI GenBank database and assigned the Accession # JHUC010000.1. The sequence information will provide the scientific community with a valuable resource for predicting putative genes that could contribute to virulence, spore germination, and mycotoxin production. Further studies on the functions of these genes will help in devising strategies to control blue mold decay on apples and pears during storage.