Comparative analysis towards the identification of genome wide characteristics of a beneficial fungal endophyte.

Fusarium solani strain K (FsK) is an endophytic fungus with a wide host range that protects its host plants against pathogens and environmental stresses. In this study, we performed de novo genome sequencing and annotation, while a phylogenomic analysis confirmed the placement of FsK within the Fusarium solani species complex (FSSC). A comprehensive comparative genomics analysis was conducted with the closely-related pathogenic Fusarium vanettenii 77-13-4 species as well as two beneficial fungal species, the basidiomycete Serendipita indica and the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus irregularis, both model symbiotic organisms in their respective fungal division. All fungal strains can colonize tomato as a common host. To identify mechanisms of early-stage FsK-plant interaction and fungal adaptation, comparative analysis of secreted effectors, carbohydrate-active enzymes and secondary metabolite clusters, was performed. FsK specific genes implicated in DNA repair and iron acquisition via ferrirhodin synthesis were identified, highlighting adaptation to stress conditions and possible mutualistic functions with plant hosts. These findings provide insights into the genomic determinants of lifestyles of root colonizing fungi and establish a foundation for future functional studies on fungal-plant interactions in agricultural contexts.