Neonectria ditissima strain:R09/05 Genome sequencing and assembly

European canker caused by the phytopathogenic fungus Neonectria ditissima is a severe economic problem for apple growers, especially in north-western European countries and temperate regions. Yield losses result from cankers in apple wood and eye-rot of fruit. Differential resistance has been observed between apple cultivars and as such pyramiding resistance genes into new cultivars offers a promising strategy to control the canker. Understanding the pathogen genome will allow identification of effectors which can be paired with resistance genes. Through understanding the basis of pathogenicity and resistance, new cultivars can be bred containing the appropriate gene compliment required for durable resistance.