Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris Genome sequencing

Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris infecting chickpea is major constraint to chickpea production worldwide. The pathogen is highly variable and frequent reoccurrence of virulent forms have affected chickpea production. Whole genome sequencing of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceris would greatly enhance our understanding on molecular underpinnings of pahogenicity involving information on disease resiatnce genes in the genus Fusarium. Aslo, the analysis of genome structure will provide information on phylogenetic relationship with other sequenced fungi as well as insight into primary and secondary metabolism. Besides, sequencing may provide us an additional option to manage the pathogen through silencing of its pathogenicity genes through RNAi approach.