Population genomics and phylogenetic studies on Fusarium using a pangenomic approach

Samenvatting

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is an economically important disease on wheat, barley and maize caused by the fungus Fusarium. FHB can result in yield losses. In addition, infected grains can accumulate mycotoxins posing a serious threat to human and livestock health. Several studies have shown distribution differences, pathogenicity divergence, genetic differentiation, population shifts and high dynamics between different Fusarium populations. However, traditional methods for population genetics provide only a limited opportunity to study the dynamics and understand the process and the drivers that direct such changes. Therefore, this thesis has aimed to advance our understanding of FHB pathogens, particularly F. asiaticum and F. graminearum. Through comparative genomic approaches, we have uncovered insights into the pathogenicity, evolutionary adaptations, and population dynamics of FHB pathogens.