Genome sequence of <i>Ceratocystis huliohia</i>, a fungal pathogen of the native 'Ōhi'a tree in Hawai'i.
Nakamoto A, Keith L, Yu Q, Sugiyama L, Wu X, Luiz B, Villalun M, Jacobs J, Corbett-Detig R, Cisneros A, Heath HD, Shanks C, Okamoto F, Alburo AAA, Henricson K, Lan YJ, Moore H, Seligmann W, Zybina Y.
Native Plants
If you've ever hiked a Hawaiian rainforest trail canopied by 'ōhi'a lehua blossoms — the scarlet flowers sacred to the volcano goddess Pele — that landscape is vanishing, and this genome is one of the first tools that might stop it.
The 'ōhi'a tree is the most common native tree in Hawai'i and forms the backbone of its forest ecosystems, but a fast-moving fungal disease has been killing them by the millions. Scientists have now read the complete genetic code of one of the two fungi causing this disease — think of it as finally getting a full blueprint of the enemy. Having this blueprint means researchers can start figuring out exactly how the fungus attacks trees and look for ways to stop it.
Key Findings
The complete genome of Ceratocystis huliohia was successfully assembled using long-read Nanopore sequencing technology, providing high-resolution genetic detail.
The sequenced isolate (C25-5) was collected on the island of Maui in April 2025, representing a geographically specific sample of the pathogen.
C. huliohia is one of two distinct fungal species causing Rapid 'Ōhi'a Death, and having its genome enables comparative study between the two pathogens.
chevron_right Technical Summary
Scientists have sequenced the full genome of Ceratocystis huliohia, one of two fungi responsible for Rapid 'Ōhi'a Death, a devastating disease wiping out Hawai'i's iconic native 'ōhi'a trees. This genetic blueprint, built from a Maui fungal sample collected in April 2025, gives researchers a precise map of the pathogen to inform disease management and conservation efforts.
Abstract Preview
We present the genome sequence of <i>Ceratocystis huliohia</i>, one of two fungal pathogens causing the Rapid 'Ōhi'a Death disease of the native 'ōhi'a tree in Hawai'i. This assembly was generated ...
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