Genome-Scale Screening and Functional Analysis of Genes That Encode Secreted Proteins in <i>Fusarium proliferatum</i> Associated with Infection on Banana ( <i>Musa acuminata</i> ) Fruit

<i>Fusarium proliferatum</i> causes banana crown rot and produces fumonisins, posing a threat to environmental safety and public health. Here, we report the 43.6-Mb complete genome sequence of <i>F. proliferatum</i>, containing 3026 genes encoding putative small secreted protein (SSP) candidates including 206 effectors. A list of pathogenesis-related genes was identified based on the transcriptome of <i>F. proliferatum</i> during infecting banana fruit. Furthermore, 10 putative SSPs were validated as secreted proteins using a yeast secretion system. Among these, Fp_G08764 and Fp_G03587 triggered cell death, while Fp_G13932 inhibited cell death in <i>Nicotiana benthamiana</i> leaves. Other candidates (Fp_G11318, Fp_G11726, Fp_G09727, Fp_G13547, Fp_G09042, Fp_G08494, and Fp_G11459) exhibited no significant effect on cell death. Additionally, <i>Fp_G11318, Fp_G08764</i>, and <i>Fp_G13932-</i>deletion mutants exhibited reduced pathogenicity on banana peel and <i>N. benthamiana</i>, indicating their essential roles in full virulence. Our results shed more light on the infection mechanism of <i>F. proliferatum</i>, contributing to develop effective techniques to control fungal disease.