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Integrating Science on Xanthomonas and Xylella for Integrated Plant Disease...
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Integrating Science on Xanthomonas and Xylella for Integrated Plant Disease Management

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Microbe Interactions".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2022) | Viewed by 73455

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Joana Costa

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
Interests: environmental microbial; microbial diversity; plant pathology; pathogens; biological control; Xylella; Pseudomonas syringae
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Joël F. Pothier

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Zürcher Hochschule Winterthur, Winterthur, Switzerland
Interests: microbial ecology; biochemistry; molecular biology; bioinformatics; genomics; transcriptomics; proteomics
Prof. Dr. Jens Boch

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Universitat, Hannover, Germany
Interests: Pseudomonas syringae; Xanthomonas; transcription; virulence factors; TALEs; genome editing; CRISPR/CAS
Dr. Emilio Stefani

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Life Science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 42122 Reggio Emilia, Italy
Interests: microbe–microbe interactions; microbial biocontrol agents; disease epidemiology; pest risk analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Ralf Koebnik

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Plant Health Institute of Montpellier, Institute de Recherche pour le Développement, 34394 Montpellier, France
Interests: Xanthomonas–host pathosystem; comparative genomics and transcriptomics; molecular typing systems for bacterial plant pathogens; engineering of plant resistance genes
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Plant diseases can have overwhelming economic, social, and/or ecological consequences on a global scale. The bacterial genera Xanthomonas and Xylella, both belonging to the family Xanthomonadaceae, harbor some of the most devastating plant pathogens causing diseases in more than 400 different plant species continually challenging food security. Pressure on agri-food systems is even more relevant in climate change scenarios that predict an increase in epidemic severity and a northward geographic expansion of pathogen and vector distribution. Although knowledge in the diversity, virulence and plant–pathogen–vector interactions has recently expanded, there is great need for research to fully understand the multidimensional nature of Xanthomonadaceae, which still compromise the access of vulnerable people to safe, nutritious and enough food.

In this Special Issue of Microorganisms, entitled “Integrating Science on Xanthomonas and Xylella for Integrated Plant Disease Management”, we aim to increase knowledge on the abovementioned topics through dissemination of the latest research in these areas. We encourage researchers to send their research papers, commentaries or reviews dealing with numerous aspects of the investigation of plant-pathogenic Xanthomonadaceae. Some of the potential topics include:

  • Taxonomy, diagnostics, and diversity;
  • Epidemiology, ecology, evolution;
  • Pathogen biology (incl. pathogenicity factors, host range, tissue specificity);
  • Host defense, genetic resistance, molecular breeding, genome editing;
  • Disease management and vector control (incl. remote sensing, biocontrol, antagonists, phage therapy, nanotechnology).

Contributions resulting from work performed by the EuroXanth COST Action (https://euroxanth.eu) may qualify to financial support from the COST Action. Details will be communicated via the EuroXanth platform. Details on eligibility are outlined in the COST Vademecum: https://www.cost.eu/funding/how-to-get-funding/documents-and-guidelines/.

Prof. Dr. Joana Costa
Dr. Joël F. Pothier
Prof. Dr. Jens Boch
Prof. Dr. Emilio Stefani
Dr. Ralf Koebnik
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Microorganisms is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Xanthomonas
  • Xylella fastidiosa
  • phytopathology
  • diagnostics
  • virulence mechanisms
  • resistance genes
  • disease management

Published Papers (20 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

7 pages, 241 KiB  
Editorial
Integrating Science on Xanthomonas and Xylella for Integrated Plant Disease Management
by Joana Costa, Joël F. Pothier, Jens Boch, Emilio Stefani and Ralf Koebnik
Microorganisms 2023, 11(1), 6; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms11010006 - 20 Dec 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1743
Abstract
Present, emerging or re-emerging plant diseases due to infection by bacteria of the Lysobacteraceae (syn: Xanthomonadaceae) family are continually challenging food security and cause significant losses to the economies of European countries each year [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Science on Xanthomonas and Xylella for Integrated Plant Disease Management)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

18 pages, 2416 KiB  
Article
Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats in Xanthomonas citri—Witnesses to a Global Expansion of a Bacterial Pathogen over Time
by Ninon Bellanger, Alexis Dereeper and Ralf Koebnik
Microorganisms 2022, 10(9), 1715; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms10091715 - 26 Aug 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1663
Abstract
Xanthomonas citri pv. citri, a Gram-negative bacterium, is the causal agent of citrus canker, a significant threat to citrus production. Understanding of global expansion of the pathogen and monitoring introduction into new regions are of interest for integrated disease management at the [...] Read more.
Xanthomonas citri pv. citri, a Gram-negative bacterium, is the causal agent of citrus canker, a significant threat to citrus production. Understanding of global expansion of the pathogen and monitoring introduction into new regions are of interest for integrated disease management at the local and global level. Genetic diversity can be assessed using genomic approaches or information from partial gene sequences, satellite markers or clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR). Here, we compared CRISPR loci from 355 strains of X. citri pv. citri, including a sample from ancient DNA, and generated the genealogy of the spoligotypes, i.e., the absence/presence patterns of CRISPR spacers. We identified 26 novel spoligotypes and constructed their likely evolutionary trajectory based on the whole-genome information. Moreover, we analyzed ~30 additional pathovars of X. citri and found that the oldest part of the CRISPR array was present in the ancestor of several pathovars of X. citri. This work presents a framework for further analyses of CRISPR loci and allows drawing conclusions about the global spread of the citrus canker pathogen, as exemplified by two introductions in West Africa. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Science on Xanthomonas and Xylella for Integrated Plant Disease Management)
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17 pages, 3418 KiB  
Article
DNA Markers for Detection and Genotyping of Xanthomonas euroxanthea
by Kayla Gisela Silva, Leonor Martins, Miguel Teixeira, Joël F. Pothier and Fernando Tavares
Microorganisms 2022, 10(6), 1078; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms10061078 - 24 May 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2094
Abstract
Xanthomonas euroxanthea is a bacterial species encompassing both pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains and is frequently found colonizing the same host plants as X. arboricola. This presents the need to develop a detection and genotyping assay able to track these bacteria in microbial [...] Read more.
Xanthomonas euroxanthea is a bacterial species encompassing both pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains and is frequently found colonizing the same host plants as X. arboricola. This presents the need to develop a detection and genotyping assay able to track these bacteria in microbial consortia with other xanthomonads. Eight X. euroxanthea-specific DNA markers (XEA1-XEA8) were selected by comparative genomics and validated in silico regarding their specificity and consistency using BLASTn, synteny analysis, CG content, codon usage (CAI/eCAI values) and genomic proximity to plasticity determinants. In silico, the selected eight DNA markers were found to be specific and conserved across the genomes of 11 X. euroxanthea strains, and in particular, five DNA markers (XEA4, XEA5, XEA6, XEA7 and XEA8) were unfailingly found in these genomes. A multiplex of PCR targeting markers XEA1 (819 bp), XEA8 (648 bp) and XEA5 (295 bp) was shown to successfully detect X. euroxanthea down to 1 ng of DNA (per PCR reaction). The topology of trees generated with the concatenated sequences of three markers (XEA5, XEA6 and XEA8) and four housekeeping genes (gyrB, rpoD, fyuA and acnB) underlined the equal discriminatory power of these features and thus the suitability of the DNA markers to discriminate X. euroxanthea lineages. Overall, this study displays a DNA-marker-based method for the detection and genotyping of X. euroxanthea strains, contributing to monitoring for its presence in X. arboricola-colonizing habitats. The present study proposes a workflow for the selection of species-specific detection markers. Prospectively, this assay could contribute to unveil alternative host species of Xanthomonas euroxanthea; and improve the control of phytopathogenic strains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Science on Xanthomonas and Xylella for Integrated Plant Disease Management)
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14 pages, 817 KiB  
Article
Pathotyping Citrus Ornamental Relatives with Xanthomonas citri pv. citri and X. citri pv. aurantifolii Refines Our Understanding of Their Susceptibility to These Pathogens
by Grazia Licciardello, Paola Caruso, Patrizia Bella, Claudine Boyer, Malcolm W. Smith, Olivier Pruvost, Isabelle Robene, Jaime Cubero and Vittoria Catara
Microorganisms 2022, 10(5), 986; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms10050986 - 08 May 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2868
Abstract
Xanthomonas citri pv. citri (Xcc) and X. citri pv. aurantifolii (Xca) are causal agents of Citrus Bacterial Canker (CBC), a devastating disease that severely affects citrus plants. They are harmful organisms not reported in Europe or the Mediterranean Basin. [...] Read more.
Xanthomonas citri pv. citri (Xcc) and X. citri pv. aurantifolii (Xca) are causal agents of Citrus Bacterial Canker (CBC), a devastating disease that severely affects citrus plants. They are harmful organisms not reported in Europe or the Mediterranean Basin. Host plants are in the Rutaceae family, including the genera Citrus, Poncirus, and Fortunella, and their hybrids. In addition, other genera of ornamental interest are reported as susceptible, but results are not uniform and sometimes incongruent. We evaluated the susceptibility of 32 ornamental accessions of the Rutaceae family belonging to the genera Citrus, Fortunella, Atalantia, Clausena, Eremocitrus, Glycosmis, Microcitrus, Murraya, Casimiroa, Calodendrum, and Aegle, and three hybrids to seven strains of Xcc and Xca. Pathotyping evaluation was assessed by scoring the symptomatic reactions on detached leaves. High variability in symptoms and bacterial population was shown among the different strains in the different hosts, indicative of complex host–pathogen interactions. The results are mostly consistent with past findings, with the few discrepancies probably due to our more complete experimental approach using multiple strains of the pathogen and multiple hosts. Our work supports the need to regulate non-citrus Rutaceae plant introductions into areas, like the EU and Mediterranean, that are currently free of this economically important pathogen. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Science on Xanthomonas and Xylella for Integrated Plant Disease Management)
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20 pages, 2536 KiB  
Article
Comparative Genomics of Xylella fastidiosa Explores Candidate Host-Specificity Determinants and Expands the Known Repertoire of Mobile Genetic Elements and Immunity Systems
by Guillermo Uceda-Campos, Oseias R. Feitosa-Junior, Caio R. N. Santiago, Paulo M. Pierry, Paulo A. Zaini, Wesley O. de Santana, Joaquim Martins-Junior, Deibs Barbosa, Luciano A. Digiampietri, João C. Setubal and Aline M. da Silva
Microorganisms 2022, 10(5), 914; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms10050914 - 27 Apr 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3454
Abstract
Xylella fastidiosa causes diseases in many plant species. Originally confined to the Americas, infecting mainly grapevine, citrus, and coffee, X. fastidiosa has spread to several plant species in Europe causing devastating diseases. Many pathogenicity and virulence factors have been identified, which enable the [...] Read more.
Xylella fastidiosa causes diseases in many plant species. Originally confined to the Americas, infecting mainly grapevine, citrus, and coffee, X. fastidiosa has spread to several plant species in Europe causing devastating diseases. Many pathogenicity and virulence factors have been identified, which enable the various X. fastidiosa strains to successfully colonize the xylem tissue and cause disease in specific plant hosts, but the mechanisms by which this happens have not been fully elucidated. Here we present thorough comparative analyses of 94 whole-genome sequences of X. fastidiosa strains from diverse plant hosts and geographic regions. Core-genome phylogeny revealed clades with members sharing mostly a geographic region rather than a host plant of origin. Phylogenetic trees for 1605 orthologous CDSs were explored for potential candidates related to host specificity using a score of mapping metrics. However, no candidate host-specificity determinants were strongly supported using this approach. We also show that X. fastidiosa accessory genome is represented by an abundant and heterogeneous mobilome, including a diversity of prophage regions. Our findings provide a better understanding of the diversity of phylogenetically close genomes and expand the knowledge of X. fastidiosa mobile genetic elements and immunity systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Science on Xanthomonas and Xylella for Integrated Plant Disease Management)
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16 pages, 7258 KiB  
Article
Pan-Genome Analysis of Effectors in Korean Strains of the Soybean Pathogen Xanthomonas citri pv. glycines
by In-Jeong Kang, Kyung Seok Kim, Gwyn A. Beattie, Jung-Wook Yang, Kee Hoon Sohn, Sunggi Heu and Ingyu Hwang
Microorganisms 2021, 9(10), 2065; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms9102065 - 30 Sep 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2623
Abstract
Xanthomonas citri pv. glycines is a major pathogen of soybean in Korea. Here, we analyzed pathogenicity genes based on a comparative genome analysis of five Korean strains and one strain from the United States, 8ra. Whereas all six strains had nearly identical profiles [...] Read more.
Xanthomonas citri pv. glycines is a major pathogen of soybean in Korea. Here, we analyzed pathogenicity genes based on a comparative genome analysis of five Korean strains and one strain from the United States, 8ra. Whereas all six strains had nearly identical profiles of carbohydrate-active enzymes, they varied in diversity and number of candidate type III secretion system effector (T3SE) genes. The five Korean strains were similar in their effectors, but differed from the 8ra strain. Across the six strains, transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) showed diverse repeat sizes and at least six forms of the repeat variable di-residue (RVD) sequences, with differences not correlated with the origin of the strains. However, a phylogenetic tree based on the alignment of RVD sequences showed two distinct clusters with 17.5 repeats, suggesting that two distinct 17.5 RVD clusters have evolved, potentially to adapt Xcg to growth on distinct soybean cultivars. The predicted effector binding elements of the TALEs fell into six groups and were strongly overlapping in sequence, suggesting evolving target specificity of the binding domains in soybean cultivars. Our findings reveal the variability and adaptability of T3SEs in the Xcg strains and enhance our understanding of Xcg pathogenicity in soybean. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Science on Xanthomonas and Xylella for Integrated Plant Disease Management)
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14 pages, 8523 KiB  
Communication
The Xanthomonas RaxH-RaxR Two-Component Regulatory System Is Orthologous to the Zinc-Responsive Pseudomonas ColS-ColR System
by Valley Stewart and Pamela C. Ronald
Microorganisms 2021, 9(7), 1458; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms9071458 - 07 Jul 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2752
Abstract
Genome sequence comparisons to infer likely gene functions require accurate ortholog assignments. In Pseudomonas spp., the sensor-regulator ColS-ColR two-component regulatory system responds to zinc and other metals to control certain membrane-related functions, including lipid A remodeling. In Xanthomonas spp., three different two-component regulatory [...] Read more.
Genome sequence comparisons to infer likely gene functions require accurate ortholog assignments. In Pseudomonas spp., the sensor-regulator ColS-ColR two-component regulatory system responds to zinc and other metals to control certain membrane-related functions, including lipid A remodeling. In Xanthomonas spp., three different two-component regulatory systems, RaxH-RaxR, VgrS-VgrR, and DetS-DetR, have been denoted as ColS-ColR in several different genome annotations and publications. To clarify these assignments, we compared the sensor periplasmic domain sequences and found that those from Pseudomonas ColS and Xanthomonas RaxH share a similar size as well as the location of a Glu-X-X-Glu metal ion-binding motif. Furthermore, we determined that three genes adjacent to raxRH are predicted to encode enzymes that remodel the lipid A component of lipopolysaccharide. The modifications catalyzed by lipid A phosphoethanolamine transferase (EptA) and lipid A 1-phosphatase (LpxE) previously were detected in lipid A from multiple Xanthomonas spp. The third gene encodes a predicted lipid A glycosyl transferase (ArnT). Together, these results indicate that the Xanthomonas RaxH-RaxR system is orthologous to the Pseudomonas ColS-ColR system that regulates lipid A remodeling. To avoid future confusion, we recommend that the terms ColS and ColR no longer be applied to Xanthomonas spp., and that the Vgr, Rax, and Det designations be used instead. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Science on Xanthomonas and Xylella for Integrated Plant Disease Management)
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13 pages, 2061 KiB  
Article
Modified Monosaccharides Content of Xanthan Gum Impairs Citrus Canker Disease by Affecting the Epiphytic Lifestyle of Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri
by Simone Cristina Picchi, Laís Moreira Granato, Maria Júlia Festa Franzini, Maxuel Oliveira Andrade, Marco Aurélio Takita, Marcos Antonio Machado and Alessandra Alves de Souza
Microorganisms 2021, 9(6), 1176; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms9061176 - 29 May 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2941
Abstract
Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (X. citri) is a plant pathogenic bacterium causing citrus canker disease. The xanA gene encodes a phosphoglucomutase/phosphomannomutase protein that is a key enzyme required for the synthesis of lipopolysaccharides and exopolysaccharides in Xanthomonads. In this work, firstly [...] Read more.
Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (X. citri) is a plant pathogenic bacterium causing citrus canker disease. The xanA gene encodes a phosphoglucomutase/phosphomannomutase protein that is a key enzyme required for the synthesis of lipopolysaccharides and exopolysaccharides in Xanthomonads. In this work, firstly we isolated a xanA transposon mutant (xanA::Tn5) and analyzed its phenotypes as biofilm formation, xanthan gum production, and pathogenesis on the sweet orange host. Moreover, to confirm the xanA role in the impaired phenotypes we further produced a non-polar deletion mutant (ΔxanA) and performed the complementation of both xanA mutants. In addition, we analyzed the percentages of the xanthan gum monosaccharides produced by X. citri wild-type and xanA mutant. The mutant strain had higher ratios of mannose, galactose, and xylose and lower ratios of rhamnose, glucuronic acid, and glucose than the wild-type strain. Such changes in the saccharide composition led to the reduction of xanthan yield in the xanA deficient strain, affecting also other important features in X. citri, such as biofilm formation and sliding motility. Moreover, we showed that xanA::Tn5 caused no symptoms on host leaves after spraying, a method that mimetics the natural infection condition. These results suggest that xanA plays an important role in the epiphytical stage on the leaves that is essential for the successful interaction with the host, including adaptive advantage for bacterial X. citri survival and host invasion, which culminates in pathogenicity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Science on Xanthomonas and Xylella for Integrated Plant Disease Management)
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15 pages, 5059 KiB  
Article
Diversity and Geographical Structure of Xanthomonas citri pv. citri on Citrus in the South West Indian Ocean Region
by Olivier Pruvost, Damien Richard, Karine Boyer, Stéphanie Javegny, Claudine Boyer, Frédéric Chiroleu, Pierre Grygiel, Evelyne Parvedy, Isabelle Robène, Véronique Maillot-Lebon, Azali Hamza, Kanta Kumar Lobin, Marc Naiken and Christian Vernière
Microorganisms 2021, 9(5), 945; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms9050945 - 27 Apr 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3045
Abstract
A thorough knowledge of genotypic and phenotypic variations (e.g., virulence, resistance to antimicrobial compounds) in bacteria causing plant disease outbreaks is key for optimizing disease surveillance and management. Using a comprehensive strain collection, tandem repeat-based genotyping techniques and pathogenicity assays, we characterized the [...] Read more.
A thorough knowledge of genotypic and phenotypic variations (e.g., virulence, resistance to antimicrobial compounds) in bacteria causing plant disease outbreaks is key for optimizing disease surveillance and management. Using a comprehensive strain collection, tandem repeat-based genotyping techniques and pathogenicity assays, we characterized the diversity of X. citri pv. citri from the South West Indian Ocean (SWIO) region. Most strains belonged to the prevalent lineage 1 pathotype A that has a wide host range among rutaceous species. We report the first occurrence of genetically unrelated, nonepidemic lineage 4 pathotype A* (strains with a host range restricted to Mexican lime and related species) in Mauritius, Moheli and Réunion. Microsatellite data revealed that strains from the Seychelles were diverse, grouped in three different clusters not detected in the Comoros and the Mascarenes. Pathogenicity data suggested a higher aggressiveness of strains of one of these clusters on citron (Citrus medica). With the noticeable exception of the Comoros, there was no sign of recent interisland movement of the pathogen. Consistent with this finding, the copL gene, a marker for the plasmid-borne copLAB copper resistance that was recently identified in Réunion, was not detected in 568 strains from any islands in the SWIO region apart from Réunion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Science on Xanthomonas and Xylella for Integrated Plant Disease Management)
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15 pages, 14834 KiB  
Article
Comparative Genomics of Xanthomonas euroxanthea and Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis Strains Isolated from a Single Walnut Host Tree
by Camila Fernandes, Leonor Martins, Miguel Teixeira, Jochen Blom, Joël F. Pothier, Nuno A. Fonseca and Fernando Tavares
Microorganisms 2021, 9(3), 624; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms9030624 - 17 Mar 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3714
Abstract
The recent report of distinct Xanthomonas lineages of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis and Xanthomonas euroxanthea within the same walnut tree revealed that this consortium of walnut-associated Xanthomonas includes both pathogenic and nonpathogenic strains. As the implications of this co-colonization are still poorly understood, [...] Read more.
The recent report of distinct Xanthomonas lineages of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis and Xanthomonas euroxanthea within the same walnut tree revealed that this consortium of walnut-associated Xanthomonas includes both pathogenic and nonpathogenic strains. As the implications of this co-colonization are still poorly understood, in order to unveil niche-specific adaptations, the genomes of three X. euroxanthea strains (CPBF 367, CPBF 424T, and CPBF 426) and of an X. arboricola pv. juglandis strain (CPBF 427) isolated from a single walnut tree in Loures (Portugal) were sequenced with two different technologies, Illumina and Nanopore, to provide consistent single scaffold chromosomal sequences. General genomic features showed that CPBF 427 has a genome similar to other X. arboricola pv. juglandis strains, regarding its size, number, and content of CDSs, while X. euroxanthea strains show a reduction regarding these features comparatively to X. arboricola pv. juglandis strains. Whole genome comparisons revealed remarkable genomic differences between X. arboricola pv. juglandis and X. euroxanthea strains, which translates into different pathogenicity and virulence features, namely regarding type 3 secretion system and its effectors and other secretory systems, chemotaxis-related proteins, and extracellular enzymes. Altogether, the distinct genomic repertoire of X. euroxanthea may be particularly useful to address pathogenicity emergence and evolution in walnut-associated Xanthomonas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Science on Xanthomonas and Xylella for Integrated Plant Disease Management)
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15 pages, 3344 KiB  
Article
Persistence of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris in Field Soil in Central Europe
by Filip Gazdik, Samuel Magnus, Steven J. Roberts, Rafal Baranski, Jana Cechova, Robert Pokluda, Ales Eichmeier, Dariusz Grzebelus and Miroslav Baranek
Microorganisms 2021, 9(3), 591; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms9030591 - 13 Mar 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2723
Abstract
Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) is a bacterium that causes black rot of crucifers. The greatest losses of brassica crop production usually result from seed-borne infection, but carry-over of inoculum in field soil may also be possible. The aim of this [...] Read more.
Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) is a bacterium that causes black rot of crucifers. The greatest losses of brassica crop production usually result from seed-borne infection, but carry-over of inoculum in field soil may also be possible. The aim of this study was to monitor persistence of Xcc in field soil in central Europe using a conventional PCR assay with hrpF primers and a two-step nested real-time PCR assay using Zur primers. The work has demonstrated that nested real-time PCR can be used to improve the analytical sensitivity for detection of Xcc in soil compared to conventional PCR, and that Xcc may persist in soil for up to two years following an infected brassica crop in central European climatic conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Science on Xanthomonas and Xylella for Integrated Plant Disease Management)
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19 pages, 1141 KiB  
Article
Molecular Epidemiology of Xanthomonas euvesicatoria Strains from the Balkan Peninsula Revealed by a New Multiple-Locus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis Scheme
by Taca Vancheva, Nevena Bogatzevska, Penka Moncheva, Sasa Mitrev, Christian Vernière and Ralf Koebnik
Microorganisms 2021, 9(3), 536; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms9030536 - 05 Mar 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2950
Abstract
Bacterial spot of pepper and tomato is caused by at least three species of Xanthomonas, among them two pathovars of Xanthomonas euvesicatoria, which are responsible for significant yield losses on all continents. In order to trace back the spread of bacterial [...] Read more.
Bacterial spot of pepper and tomato is caused by at least three species of Xanthomonas, among them two pathovars of Xanthomonas euvesicatoria, which are responsible for significant yield losses on all continents. In order to trace back the spread of bacterial spot pathogens within and among countries, we developed the first multilocus variable number of tandem repeat analyses (MLVA) scheme for pepper- and tomato-pathogenic strains of X. euvesicatoria. In this work, we assessed the repeat numbers by DNA sequencing of 16 tandem repeat loci and applied this new tool to analyse a representative set of 88 X. euvesicatoria pepper strains from Bulgaria and North Macedonia. The MLVA-16 scheme resulted in a Hunter–Gaston Discriminatory Index (HGDI) score of 0.944 and allowed to resolve 36 MLVA haplotypes (MTs), thus demonstrating its suitability for high-resolution molecular typing. Strains from the different regions of Bulgaria and North Macedonia were found to be widespread in genetically distant clonal complexes or singletons. Sequence types of the variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) amplicons revealed cases of size homoplasy and suggested the coexistence of different populations and different introduction events. The large geographical distribution of MTs and the existence of epidemiologically closely related strains in different regions and countries suggest long dispersal of strains on pepper in this area. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Science on Xanthomonas and Xylella for Integrated Plant Disease Management)
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15 pages, 4133 KiB  
Article
Persister Cells Form in the Plant Pathogen Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri under Different Stress Conditions
by Paula M. M. Martins, Thomas K. Wood and Alessandra A. de Souza
Microorganisms 2021, 9(2), 384; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms9020384 - 14 Feb 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2921
Abstract
Citrus canker disease, caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri is a constant threat to citrus-producing areas. Since it has no cure, agricultural practices to restrain its dissemination are essential to reduce the economic damage. Hence, increased knowledge of the basic aspects [...] Read more.
Citrus canker disease, caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri is a constant threat to citrus-producing areas. Since it has no cure, agricultural practices to restrain its dissemination are essential to reduce the economic damage. Hence, increased knowledge of the basic aspects of X. citri biology could lead to more efficient management practices that can eliminate dormant bacteria in the field. The dormant cells, also referred to as persisters, are phenotypic variants with lowered metabolism, which in turn leads to tolerance to antimicrobials and undermines existing control approaches. We show here that X. citri forms persisters, identifying triggers for this phenotype, including antibiotics, high temperature, and metals (copper and zinc), which increase persistence rates by 10–100 times. The antioxidant N-acetylcysteine reduced copper and zinc-induced persisters, but not those induced by tetracycline, indicating that oxidative stress may be an important inducer of X. citri persistence. In addition, we found that metabolism-independent drugs like cisplatin and mitomycin C are able to eliminate X. citri persistent cells, as well as copper, at high concentrations. Specific amino acids like proline and isoleucine interfered with the physiological balance of the dormancy in X. citri, stimulating or preventing persister resuscitation. Taken together, we discover chemicals that can induce, wake, and kill X. citri persister cells; these results provide insights that should be considered for more efficient integrated control management in the field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Science on Xanthomonas and Xylella for Integrated Plant Disease Management)
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26 pages, 3189 KiB  
Article
TAL Effector Repertoires of Strains of Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. manihotis in Commercial Cassava Crops Reveal High Diversity at the Country Scale
by Carlos A. Zárate-Chaves, Daniela Osorio-Rodríguez, Rubén E. Mora, Álvaro L. Pérez-Quintero, Alexis Dereeper, Silvia Restrepo, Camilo E. López, Boris Szurek and Adriana Bernal
Microorganisms 2021, 9(2), 315; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms9020315 - 04 Feb 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4399
Abstract
Transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) play a significant role for pathogenesis in several xanthomonad pathosystems. Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. manihotis (Xpm), the causal agent of Cassava Bacterial Blight (CBB), uses TALEs to manipulate host metabolism. Information about Xpm TALEs and their target genes [...] Read more.
Transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) play a significant role for pathogenesis in several xanthomonad pathosystems. Xanthomonas phaseoli pv. manihotis (Xpm), the causal agent of Cassava Bacterial Blight (CBB), uses TALEs to manipulate host metabolism. Information about Xpm TALEs and their target genes in cassava is scarce, but has been growing in the last few years. We aimed to characterize the TALE diversity in Colombian strains of Xpm and to screen for TALE-targeted gene candidates. We selected eighteen Xpm strains based on neutral genetic diversity at a country scale to depict the TALE diversity among isolates from cassava productive regions. RFLP analysis showed that Xpm strains carry TALomes with a bimodal size distribution, and affinity-based clustering of the sequenced TALEs condensed this variability mainly into five clusters. We report on the identification of 13 novel variants of TALEs in Xpm, as well as a functional variant with 22 repeats that activates the susceptibility gene MeSWEET10a, a previously reported target of TAL20Xam668. Transcriptomics and EBE prediction analyses resulted in the selection of several TALE-targeted candidate genes and two potential cases of functional convergence. This study provides new bases for assessing novel potential TALE targets in the Xpm–cassava interaction, which could be important factors that define the fate of the infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Science on Xanthomonas and Xylella for Integrated Plant Disease Management)
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19 pages, 4102 KiB  
Article
Phenotypic Characterization and Transformation Attempts Reveal Peculiar Traits of Xylella fastidiosa Subspecies pauca Strain De Donno
by Giusy D’Attoma, Massimiliano Morelli, Leonardo De La Fuente, Paul A. Cobine, Maria Saponari, Alessandra Alves de Souza, Angelo De Stradis and Pasquale Saldarelli
Microorganisms 2020, 8(11), 1832; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms8111832 - 20 Nov 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3646
Abstract
Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca strain De Donno has been recently identified as the causal agent of a severe disease affecting olive trees in a wide area of the Apulia Region (Italy). While insights on the genetics and epidemiology of this virulent strain have [...] Read more.
Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca strain De Donno has been recently identified as the causal agent of a severe disease affecting olive trees in a wide area of the Apulia Region (Italy). While insights on the genetics and epidemiology of this virulent strain have been gained, its phenotypic and biological traits remained to be explored. We investigated in vitro behavior of the strain and compare its relevant biological features (growth rate, biofilm formation, cell–cell aggregation, and twitching motility) with those of the type strain Temecula1. The experiments clearly showed that the strain De Donno did not show fringe on the agar plates, produced larger amounts of biofilm and had a more aggregative behavior than the strain Temecula1. Repeated attempts to transform, by natural competence, the strain De Donno failed to produce a GFP-expressing and a knockout mutant for the rpfF gene. Computational prediction allowed us to identify potentially deleterious sequence variations most likely affecting the natural competence and the lack of fringe formation. GFP and rpfF- mutants were successfully obtained by co-electroporation in the presence of an inhibitor of the type I restriction–modification system. The availability of De Donno mutant strains will open for new explorations of its interactions with hosts and insect vectors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Science on Xanthomonas and Xylella for Integrated Plant Disease Management)
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12 pages, 3443 KiB  
Article
Development of Real-Time and Colorimetric Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay for Detection of Xanthomonas gardneri
by Dagmar Stehlíková, Pavel Beran, Stephen P. Cohen and Vladislav Čurn
Microorganisms 2020, 8(9), 1301; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms8091301 - 26 Aug 2020
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3362
Abstract
Xanthomonas gardneri is one of the causal agents of bacterial spot (BS), an economically important bacterial disease of tomato and pepper. Field-deployable and portable loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)-based instruments provide rapid and sensitive detection of plant pathogens. In order to rapidly and accurately [...] Read more.
Xanthomonas gardneri is one of the causal agents of bacterial spot (BS), an economically important bacterial disease of tomato and pepper. Field-deployable and portable loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)-based instruments provide rapid and sensitive detection of plant pathogens. In order to rapidly and accurately identify and differentiate X. gardneri from other BS-causing Xanthomonas spp., we optimized a new real-time monitoring LAMP-based method targeting the X. gardneri-specific hrpB gene. Specificity and sensitivity of real-time and colorimetric LAMP assays were tested on the complex of bacterial strains pathogenic to tomato and pepper and on plants infected by the pathogen. The assay detection limit was 1 pg/μL of genomic DNA with an assay duration of only 30 min. The use of portable and handheld instruments allows for fast analysis, reducing the diagnosis time, and can contribute to proper disease management and control of X. gardneri. Due to the high efficiency of this method, we suggest its use as a standard diagnostic tool during phytosanitary controls. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Science on Xanthomonas and Xylella for Integrated Plant Disease Management)
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23 pages, 1956 KiB  
Article
Host–Pathogen Interactions between Xanthomonas fragariae and Its Host Fragaria × ananassa Investigated with a Dual RNA-Seq Analysis
by Michael Gétaz, Joanna Puławska, Theo H.M. Smits and Joël F. Pothier
Microorganisms 2020, 8(8), 1253; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms8081253 - 18 Aug 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3773
Abstract
Strawberry is economically important and widely grown, but susceptible to a large variety of phytopathogenic organisms. Among them, Xanthomonas fragariae is a quarantine bacterial pathogen threatening strawberry productions by causing angular leaf spots. Using whole transcriptome sequencing, the gene expression of both plant [...] Read more.
Strawberry is economically important and widely grown, but susceptible to a large variety of phytopathogenic organisms. Among them, Xanthomonas fragariae is a quarantine bacterial pathogen threatening strawberry productions by causing angular leaf spots. Using whole transcriptome sequencing, the gene expression of both plant and bacteria in planta was analyzed at two time points, 12 and 29 days post inoculation, in order to compare the pathogen and host response between the stages of early visible and of well-developed symptoms. Among 28,588 known genes in strawberry and 4046 known genes in X. fragariae expressed at both time points, a total of 361 plant and 144 bacterial genes were significantly differentially expressed, respectively. The identified higher expressed genes in the plants were pathogen-associated molecular pattern receptors and pathogenesis-related thaumatin encoding genes, whereas the more expressed early genes were related to chloroplast metabolism as well as photosynthesis related coding genes. Most X. fragariae genes involved in host interaction, recognition, and pathogenesis were lower expressed at late-phase infection. This study gives a first insight into the interaction of X. fragariae with its host. The strawberry plant changed gene expression in order to consistently adapt its metabolism with the progression of infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Science on Xanthomonas and Xylella for Integrated Plant Disease Management)
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Review

Jump to: Editorial, Research

21 pages, 1554 KiB  
Review
Xylella fastidiosa in Olive: A Review of Control Attempts and Current Management
by Massimiliano Morelli, José Manuel García-Madero, Ángeles Jos, Pasquale Saldarelli, Crescenza Dongiovanni, Magdalena Kovacova, Maria Saponari, Alberto Baños Arjona, Evelyn Hackl, Stephen Webb and Stéphane Compant
Microorganisms 2021, 9(8), 1771; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms9081771 - 19 Aug 2021
Cited by 49 | Viewed by 8244
Abstract
Since 2013, Xylella fastidiosa Wells et al. has been reported to infect several hosts and to be present in different areas of Europe. The main damage has been inflicted on the olive orchards of southern Apulia (Italy), where a severe disease associated with [...] Read more.
Since 2013, Xylella fastidiosa Wells et al. has been reported to infect several hosts and to be present in different areas of Europe. The main damage has been inflicted on the olive orchards of southern Apulia (Italy), where a severe disease associated with X. fastidiosa subspecies pauca strain De Donno has led to the death of millions of trees. This dramatic and continuously evolving situation has led to European and national (Italian and Spanish) measures being implemented to reduce the spread of the pathogen and the associated olive quick decline syndrome (OQDS). Research has been also carried out to find solutions to better and directly fight the bacterium and its main insect vector, Philaenus spumarius L. In the course of this frantic effort, several treatments based on chemical or biological substances have been tested, in addition to plant breeding techniques and integrated pest management approaches. This review aims to summarize the attempts made so far and describe the prospects for better management of this serious threat, which poses alarming questions for the future of olive cultivation in the Mediterranean basin and beyond. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Science on Xanthomonas and Xylella for Integrated Plant Disease Management)
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21 pages, 328 KiB  
Review
Bacteriophage-Mediated Control of Phytopathogenic Xanthomonads: A Promising Green Solution for the Future
by Emilio Stefani, Aleksa Obradović, Katarina Gašić, Irem Altin, Ildikó K. Nagy and Tamás Kovács
Microorganisms 2021, 9(5), 1056; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms9051056 - 13 May 2021
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 5713
Abstract
Xanthomonads, members of the family Xanthomonadaceae, are economically important plant pathogenic bacteria responsible for infections of over 400 plant species. Bacteriophage-based biopesticides can provide an environmentally friendly, effective solution to control these bacteria. Bacteriophage-based biocontrol has important advantages over chemical pesticides, and [...] Read more.
Xanthomonads, members of the family Xanthomonadaceae, are economically important plant pathogenic bacteria responsible for infections of over 400 plant species. Bacteriophage-based biopesticides can provide an environmentally friendly, effective solution to control these bacteria. Bacteriophage-based biocontrol has important advantages over chemical pesticides, and treatment with these biopesticides is a minor intervention into the microflora. However, bacteriophages’ agricultural application has limitations rooted in these viruses’ biological properties as active substances. These disadvantageous features, together with the complicated registration process of bacteriophage-based biopesticides, means that there are few products available on the market. This review summarizes our knowledge of the Xanthomonas-host plant and bacteriophage-host bacterium interaction’s possible influence on bacteriophage-based biocontrol strategies and provides examples of greenhouse and field trials and products readily available in the EU and the USA. It also details the most important advantages and limitations of the agricultural application of bacteriophages. This paper also investigates the legal background and industrial property right issues of bacteriophage-based biopesticides. When appropriately applied, bacteriophages can provide a promising tool against xanthomonads, a possibility that is untapped. Information presented in this review aims to explore the potential of bacteriophage-based biopesticides in the control of xanthomonads in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Science on Xanthomonas and Xylella for Integrated Plant Disease Management)
30 pages, 560 KiB  
Review
Trends in Molecular Diagnosis and Diversity Studies for Phytosanitary Regulated Xanthomonas
by Vittoria Catara, Jaime Cubero, Joël F. Pothier, Eran Bosis, Claude Bragard, Edyta Đermić, Maria C. Holeva, Marie-Agnès Jacques, Francoise Petter, Olivier Pruvost, Isabelle Robène, David J. Studholme, Fernando Tavares, Joana G. Vicente, Ralf Koebnik and Joana Costa
Microorganisms 2021, 9(4), 862; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/microorganisms9040862 - 16 Apr 2021
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 5885
Abstract
Bacteria in the genus Xanthomonas infect a wide range of crops and wild plants, with most species responsible for plant diseases that have a global economic and environmental impact on the seed, plant, and food trade. Infections by Xanthomonas spp. cause a wide [...] Read more.
Bacteria in the genus Xanthomonas infect a wide range of crops and wild plants, with most species responsible for plant diseases that have a global economic and environmental impact on the seed, plant, and food trade. Infections by Xanthomonas spp. cause a wide variety of non-specific symptoms, making their identification difficult. The coexistence of phylogenetically close strains, but drastically different in their phenotype, poses an added challenge to diagnosis. Data on future climate change scenarios predict an increase in the severity of epidemics and a geographical expansion of pathogens, increasing pressure on plant health services. In this context, the effectiveness of integrated disease management strategies strongly depends on the availability of rapid, sensitive, and specific diagnostic methods. The accumulation of genomic information in recent years has facilitated the identification of new DNA markers, a cornerstone for the development of more sensitive and specific methods. Nevertheless, the challenges that the taxonomic complexity of this genus represents in terms of diagnosis together with the fact that within the same bacterial species, groups of strains may interact with distinct host species demonstrate that there is still a long way to go. In this review, we describe and discuss the current molecular-based methods for the diagnosis and detection of regulated Xanthomonas, taxonomic and diversity studies in Xanthomonas and genomic approaches for molecular diagnosis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrating Science on Xanthomonas and Xylella for Integrated Plant Disease Management)
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