Long-Read Genome Sequence Resource of Ascochyta versabilis Causing Leaf Spot Disease in Pseudostellaria heterophylla.

Ascochyta versabilis is the fungal pathogen that causes the severe leaf spot disease of Pseudostellaria heterophylla (Miq.) Pax, a vital Chinese herbal plant. Here, we deployed PacBio single-molecule real-time long-read sequencing technology to generate a near-complete genome assembly for the A. versabilis KC1 strain and obtained a total of 9.80 Gb raw reads. These reads were processed into a 41.05 Mb genome assembly containing 95 contigs with N50 of 1.70 Mb and a maximum length of 3.93 Mb. A total of 10,457 gene models, of which 1,004 encode putatively secreted proteins, were identified in the genome. This high-quality genome assembly and gene annotation resource will facilitate the institution of functional genetic studies aimed at providing a better insight into the infection mechanisms of A. versabilis to support the development of effective control strategies for leaf spot disease of P. heterophylla.