Deciphering Whole Genome Sequences of Plant Growth Promoting and Biocontrol fungi

The use of fungal based-biofertilizers for plant growth and production promotion and fungal based-biopesticides for the control of pathogens has gained prominence. Various beneficial fungal species have been developed as biocontrol agents due to their contribution to plant protection through either directly interfering with the pathogen growth or stimulating systemic resistance in their hosts. They also promote plant growth, reduce abiotic stress, and influence a variety of biochemical functions in plants such as ROS homeostasis which is a key feature for the tolerance to several environmental constraints. However, due to a lack of comprehensive genetic information, these processes remain elusively understood and have not been thoroughly investigated. A systematic examination of whole genome sequences of fungi will therefore be a valuable tool for the investigation of the expression, regulation, function, and evolution of the fungal genes that promote plant growth or interfere with pathogens leading to their control, as well as the development of novel methods for the prevention and management of plant diseases.