Genome Sequence of Pyrenophora semeniperda

Pyrenophora semeniperda (anamorph Drechslera campulata) is a necrotrophic fungal seed pathogen of a variety of grass genra and species, including Bromus tectorum, an exotic grass that has invaded many natural ecosystems of the U.S. Intermountain West. As a natural seed pathogen of B. tectorum, P. semeniperda has potential as a biocontrol agent due to its effectiveness at killing dormant B. tectorum seeds; however, few genetic resources exist for this fungus. To increase these resources, the genome of the P. semeniperda genome was sequenced using 454 GS-FLX pyrosequencing techniques. Genomic and paired-end libraries were constructed yielding 233.1 Mb and 469.9 Mb in sequence respectively. In addition, a cDNA library was constructed and sequenced for the purpose of annotating the P. semeniperda genome, yielding approximately 110.8 Mb. The total genome assembly is 32.5 Mb and contains 11,453 gene models greater than 24 amino acids. The assembly contains a variety of predicted genes that are involved in pathogenic pathways typically found in necrotrophic fungi.