Neonectria faginata strain:MES1 34.1.1 Genome sequencing and assembly

Beech bark disease (BBD) is a cankering disease affecting American beech (Fagus grandifolia) trees in North America, resulting in significant ecological, economic, and aesthetic impacts. The primary fungal disease agent, Neonectria faginata, has never been observed outside of the BBD complex raising questions about its origin and potential alternative ecological modes. Here we report a high-quality draft genome of N. faginata that will aid in significantly advancing understanding of the natural history of this organism through population genetic and comparative genomic approaches.