First Report on Whole Genome sequencing of Chaetomium strumarium BRFC4 and its Antagonistic Activity Against Fusarium Wilt of banana

Fusarium wilt of banana, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) is a destructive disease with global impact. Current management strategies such as crop rotation, soil amendments and chemical fungicides often provide limited and inconsistent management. Biological control offers a sustainable and ecofriendly strategy for long-term disease suppression in that fungi belong to Chaetomium genus are gaining recognition. Nine Chaetomium isolates were obtained from the banana rhizosphere and partially characterized using ITS sequencing. The antagonistic potential of Chaetomium isolates against Foc was assessed through dual culture, inverted plate assays and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The strain BRFC4 exhibited strong antifungal activity against Foc and SEM analysis revealed direct hyphal interactions and structural disruptions in Foc. Pot culture experiments showed that BRFC4 significantly suppressed Fusarium wilt incidence and enhanced plant growth indicating its dual role in disease suppression and growth promotion. To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying its antagonistic behaviour, whole genome sequencing of C. strumarium BRFC4 was performed resulting in a high-quality assembly of approximately 33.5 Mb with 56.99% GC content and 66,241 predicted protein-coding genes. Genome annotation revealed a rich repertoire of carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes), particularly glycoside hydrolases and polysaccharide lyases, along with 57 biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) involved in antifungal secondary metabolite production. Gene Ontology enrichment highlighted functional groups related to stress response, metabolism and fungal antagonism. This tudy represents the first comprehensive report identifying C. strumarium as a viable bio control agent against Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense and its complete genome sequence enables detailed analysis of genes involved in mycoparasitism, antibiosis, secondary metabolite bio synthesis for bio control mechanisms and developing sustainable disease management startergies in banana cultivation.