A phased genome resource for studying the virulence mechanisms and evolution of the coffee rust pathogen, Hemileia vastatrix (strain Hv178a)

Recurrent epidemics of coffee leaf rust, caused by the fungal pathogen Hemileia vastatrix have been constraining the sustainable production of Arabica coffee for over 150 years. The ability of H. vastatrix to overcome resistance in coffee cultivars and evolve new races is inexplicable for a pathogen that supposedly only utilizes clonal reproduction. Understanding the evolutionary complexity between H. vastatrix and its only known host, including determining how the pathogen rapidly evolves virulence, is crucial for disease management. Achieving such goals relies on the availability of a comprehensive and high-quality genome reference assembly. To date, two reference genomes have been made available for H. vastatrix however, although useful, they are fragmented and do not represent the di-haploid state for the nuclei. We present a complete scaffolded and phased pseudochromosome genome resource for the H. vastatrix strain 178a, building the foundation for future advanced studies.