Genomic Exploration of Climate-driven Evolution and Evolutionary Convergence in Forest Pathogens

Climate significantly influences the distribution, composition, and diversity of fungal communities, impacting the growth, spread, and virulence of fungal forest pathogens. This study employs advanced landscape genomics methods to explore the genomic adaptations of three major fungal pathogens: Those responsible for Dutch elm disease, dothistroma needle blight, and Swiss needle cast. Our findings reveal that precipitation and humidity are primary drivers of adaptation in these species. We use these insights to forecast potential adaptations under future climate scenarios (genomic offset) and identify specific genes and pathways associated with climate responses in each pathogen. Notably, we detect a convergence in moisture adaptation across these distantly related species, particularly in genes related to the cytoskeleton and transporters. This study enhances our understanding of fungal pathogen evolution in response to climate change, offering crucial insights for forest disease management.