Location: Mycology and Nematology Genetic Diversity and Biology Laboratory
Project Number: 8042-22000-323-015-I
Project Type: Interagency Reimbursable Agreement
Start Date: Jun 1, 2025
End Date: Nov 30, 2026
Objective:
The primary objective of this agreement is to generate high quality genome data using next-generation sequencing technologies, for the fungal causal agent of the Japanese oak wilt D. quercivorous, as well as related species in the genus Dryadomyces, and additional selected species in the phylogenetically closely related genera such as Esteya, Grosmannia, Harringtonia, Leptographium and Raffaelea. Results of this work will enhance identification capacity for this species by providing high-quality data that will be available for the future development and validation of diagnostic methods by USDA APHIS or other interested parties. This will allow the accurate identification and detection of these high-risk fungal pathogens prior to their introduction into the U.S. and enhance the ability to safeguard U.S. agriculture. The work proposed will provide a comprehensive report with the data generated and standard bioinformatics analyses performed.
Approach:
ARS plans to identify and obtain from recognized fungal repositories, cultures of D. quercivorous, other species in the genus Dryadomyces, and selected species in the phylogenetically closely related genera, undertake whole genome sequencing on the selected isolates using Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencing technologies and to perform bioinformatics processing of the obtained genomes such as hybrid assembly, assessment of completeness, and gene predictions, and data release to APHIS PPQ personnel and public data repositories.
