Harnessing Genomics of Diaporthe amygdali for Improved Control of Peach Twig Canker and Shoot Blight (TCSB)

In recent years, symptoms of Twig Cankers and Shoot Blight (TCSB) have re-emerged in several Italian peach orchards, particularly within key production areas of the Emilia-Romagna region. The fungal pathogen <i>Diaporthe amygdali</i> is recognized as the primary causal agent of TCSB, leading to the rapid desiccation of shoots, flowers, leaves, and branches, often accompanied by resin exudation from cankers that appear in late winter or early spring. Given Italy's position as the second-largest peach producer in Europe, ensuring sustainable yields and high fruit quality necessitates a deeper understanding of <i>D. amygdali</i> biology and the development of effective diagnostic and management tools. This study employed a hybrid whole-genome sequencing strategy, combining Illumina short-read and PacBio long-read technologies, to generate the first high-quality genome assembly of <i>D. amygdali</i> isolated from peach. The genome analysis revealed candidate virulence genes and other factors involved in pathogenicity, deepening our understanding of the infection strategies employed by <i>D. amygdali</i>. These findings may support the potential development of sustainable, effective strategies against TCSB, ultimately supporting resilient peach production in Italy and beyond.