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 <em>Hemileia vastatrix</em> have been constraining the sustainable production of Arabica coffee for over 150 years. The ability of <em>H. vastatrix </em>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 <em>H. vastatrix</em> 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 <em>H. vastatrix</em> 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 <em>H. vastatrix </em>strain 178a, building the foundation for future advanced studies.