Genomic Diversity in Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae; Implications for effective development of host resistance

Authors: Henry, Peter

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/9/2023
Publication Date: 3/9/2023
Citation: Henry, P.M. 2023. Genomic diversity in Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae; Implications for effective development of host resistance. North American Strawberry Growers Association Annual Meeting, March 7-10, 2023, San Luis Obispo, California.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae is a genetically and phenotypically diverse group that causes Fusarium wilt of strawberry. Communicating discoveries related to this group is complicated by the multiple, overlapping phenotypic and genotype-based classification systems. For example, any strain of Fusarium oxysporum that causes disease on strawberry is classified as forma specialis fragariae, but these strains are polyphyletic based on conserved, vertically-inherited genes. Strains are also classified into ‘races’ based on pathogenicity to cultivars with specific resistance genes, and races are also polyphyletic. There is also a variable “accessory” genome that can be transferred horizontally and contains genes required for host-specific pathogenicity. Lastly, distinct repertoires of pathogenicity-associated genes exist among F. oxysporum f. sp. fragariae and are correlated with evolutionary origin. Each of these genotype and phenotype-dependent classification systems have important implications for the development and deployment of genetic resistance to Fusarium wilt of strawberry. This talk will review the current knowledge of diversity among F. oxysporum f. sp. fragariae and how this complexity can be decomposed into the simplest possible system for communicating information about these pathogens.