Whole genome sequencing and annotation of a non-pathogenic Fusarium brachygibbosum TZ1MST22 strain isolated from Medicago sativa in Southern Tunisian oases.

Fusarium sambucinum species complex (FSAMSC) includes not only major mycotoxin-producing pathogens but also non-pathogenic endophytic species that can promote plant growth and stress tolerance. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these contrasting lifestyles remain poorly understood, underscoring the need for deeper molecular studies. A non-pathogenic endophytic Fusarium strain, TZ1MST22, isolated from Medicago sativa plants in the Tozeur region of Southern Tunisia, was sequenced using the Illumina NovaSeq 6000 sequencing technology. Here, we report a 39.8 Mb draft genome of TZ1MST22, comprising 160 contigs. Genome completeness was assessed using Benchmarking Universal Single-Copy Orthologs (BUSCO) analysis, which yielded 99.4% completeness. Molecular phylogenetic analysis showed that TZ1MST22 was a Fusarium brachygibbosum belonging to F. sambucinum species complex (FSAMSC). In total, 12396 protein-coding genes were predicted. Of these, 769 genes were annotated as encoding CAZymes, including 46 cellulose-degrading, 62 hemicellulose-degrading, and 38, 25, 8, and 31 chitin/chitosan-, glucan-, lignin-, and pectin-degrading enzymes, respectively, as well as 74 sugar-, poly-, and oligosaccharide-degrading enzymes, and 61 others, including cutinases. In addition, 38 secondary metabolism gene clusters were identified, mainly including terpenes, T1 polyketide synthase genes, and non-ribosomal peptide synthase genes. Comparative genomic analyses revealed that F. brachygibbosum TZ1MST22 harbors more biomass-degrading enzymes than other pathogenic and endophytic Fusarium species. These results expand our genetic knowledge of Fusarium brachygibbosum, as this genome represents the third published genome of this species and the first non-pathogenic one. Our comprehensive whole-genome analysis provides a valuable resource for future studies on gene expression, regulation, function, evolution, and will support efforts to optimize its cultivation for the high-yield production of useful metabolites.