Rhexocercosporidium sp. genome sequencing

The present study reports the complete genome sequence of Rhexocercosporidium sp. Me07, a dark septate endophyte (DSE) isolated from the rhizosphere environment and characterized by strongly melanized mycelium. This work was conducted within the framework of the French-German collaborative project "High melanization of dark septate endophytes: an advantageous trait for plant colonization and stress tolerance - DARKandSTRONG". The main objective of this study was to generate a high quality reference genome for strain Me07 in order to provide a genomic basis for investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying melanization, endophytic lifestyle, and stress adaptation in DSE fungi. By combining long-read and short-read sequencing technologies, the assembled genome enables the identification of gene families potentially involved in melanin biosynthesis, host interaction, and environmental resilience. The availability of this genome resource will facilitate comparative genomics of melanized endophytic fungi and support ongoing research on the role of DSE in plant colonization and tolerance to environmental stresses.