Genome sequencing of Monilinia fructigena isolate from Almaty, Kazakhstan

Monilinia fructigena, a causal agent of brown rot in apple and other fruit crops, poses a significant threat to fruit production and post-harvest quality in temperate regions. This study reports the molecular and morphological identification of M. fructigena isolates obtained from symptomatic apple fruits in the Almaty region of Kazakhstan. Nine isolates were characterized through a combination of morphological assessment, real-time PCR, target gene sequencing, and whole-genome sequencing using nanopore sequencings. Whole-genome sequencing of a representative isolate validated the species identity based on comparative alignment with Monilinia reference genomes. Phylogenetic analysis of nine isolates using the whole genome sequence of one selected isolate, indicated low intraspecific variability, consistent with global patterns of M. fructigena. This integrative approach enhances understanding of Monilinia species in Central Asia and supports the implementation of modern molecular tools for phytopathogen surveillance and agricultural biosecurity.