Recent advances in the understanding of Xanthomonas citri ssp. citri pathogenesis and citrus canker disease management

Taxonomic status: Bacteria; Phylum Proteobacteria; Class Gammaproteobacteria; Order Xanthomonadales; Family Xanthomonadaceae; Genus Xanthomonas; Species Xanthomonas citri ssp. citri (Xcc). Host range: Compatible hosts vary in their susceptibility to citrus canker (CC), with grapefruit, lime and lemon being the most susceptible, sweet orange being moderately susceptible, and kumquat and calamondin being amongst the least susceptible. Microbiological properties: Xcc is a rod-shaped (1.5–2.0 X 0.5–0.75 mm), Gram-negative, aerobic bacterium with a single polar flagellum. The bacterium forms yellow colonies on culture media as a result of the production of xanthomonadin. Distribution: Present in South America, the British Virgin Islands, Africa, the Middle East, India, Asia and the South Pacific islands. Localized incidence in the USA, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Uruguay, Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Tanzania, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Bangladesh. Widespread throughout Paraguay, Comoros, China, Japan, Malaysia and Vietnam. Eradicated from South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Absent from Europe.EEA Bella VistaFil: Ference, Christopher M. United States Department of Agriculture. Agricultural Research Service. US Horticultural Research Laboratory; Estados Unidos. University of Florida. Department of Plant Pathology; Estados UnidosFil: Gochez, Alberto Martin. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Bella Vista; ArgentinaFil: Behlau, Franklin. Fundo de Defesa da Citricultura. Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento; BrasilFil: Wang, Nian. University of Florida. Citrus Research and Education Center. Department of Microbiology and Cell Science; Estados UnidosFil: Graham, James H. University of Florida. Citrus Research and Education Center. Department of Soil and Water Science; Estados UnidosFil: Jones, Jeffrey B. University of Florida. Department of Plant Pathology; Estados Unido

Comparative genomics reveals diversity among xanthomonads infecting tomato and pepper

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Bacterial spot of tomato and pepper is caused by four <it>Xanthomonas </it>species and is a major plant disease in warm humid climates. The four species are distinct from each other based on physiological and molecular characteristics. The genome sequence of strain 85-10, a member of one of the species, <it>Xanthomonas euvesicatoria </it>(<it>Xcv</it>) has been previously reported. To determine the relationship of the four species at the genome level and to investigate the molecular basis of their virulence and differing host ranges, draft genomic sequences of members of the other three species were determined and compared to strain 85-10.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We sequenced the genomes of <it>X. vesicatoria </it>(<it>Xv</it>) strain 1111 (ATCC 35937), <it>X. perforans </it>(<it>Xp</it>) strain 91-118 and <it>X. gardneri </it>(<it>Xg</it>) strain 101 (ATCC 19865). The genomes were compared with each other and with the previously sequenced <it>Xcv </it>strain 85-10. In addition, the molecular features were predicted that may be required for pathogenicity including the type III secretion apparatus, type III effectors, other secretion systems, quorum sensing systems, adhesins, extracellular polysaccharide, and lipopolysaccharide determinants. Several novel type III effectors from <it>Xg </it>strain 101 and <it>Xv </it>strain 1111 genomes were computationally identified and their translocation was validated using a reporter gene assay. A homolog to Ax21, the elicitor of XA21-mediated resistance in rice, and a functional Ax21 sulfation system were identified in <it>Xcv</it>. Genes encoding proteins with functions mediated by type II and type IV secretion systems have also been compared, including enzymes involved in cell wall deconstruction, as contributors to pathogenicity.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Comparative genomic analyses revealed considerable diversity among bacterial spot pathogens, providing new insights into differences and similarities that may explain the diverse nature of these strains. Genes specific to pepper pathogens, such as the O-antigen of the lipopolysaccharide cluster, and genes unique to individual strains, such as novel type III effectors and bacteriocin genes, have been identified providing new clues for our understanding of pathogen virulence, aggressiveness, and host preference. These analyses will aid in efforts towards breeding for broad and durable resistance in economically important tomato and pepper cultivars.</p

Epidemiology of citrus canker (Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri) on Pêra sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) under chemical and cultural control

O cancro cítrico, causado pela bactéria Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri, é uma das doenças mais importantes da citricultura. O estudo do efeito de medidas alternativas de controle para o manejo desta doença assume grande importância tanto para áreas citrícolas onde a erradicação de plantas não é a principal medida de controle do cancro cítrico, como no Estado do Paraná, como para regiões onde a prática da erradicação vem sendo adotada como principal medida de controle da doença, como no Estado de São Paulo. Instalado em pomar citrícola do município de Ourizona, na região Noroeste do Estado do Paraná, este trabalho buscou estudar o progresso dessa importante doença em campo sob condições de proteção química das plantas, utilizando produto cúprico; e cultural, por meio de quebra-vento. Além disso, importantes informações relacionadas ao efeito de cada tratamento sobre a produção das plantas de laranja Pêra também foram obtidas. Enquanto a aplicação de cobre apresentou efeito significativo na redução dos níveis de cancro cítrico, o emprego de quebra-vento pouco ou nada contribuiu para o controle da doença. Após 29 avaliações mensais, plantas submetidas à aplicação de bactericida cúprico apresentaram valores médios de AUDPC* de incidência da doença nas folhas de cerca de 20 %, nível 44 % inferior ao observado para as plantas não protegidas quimicamente. O mesmo comportamento foi observado para a severidade da doença. Após 18 avaliações mensais foi possível observar que plantas submetidas à aplicação de produto cúprico apresentaram em média folhas com níveis de AUDPC* de severidade 37 % menores do que plantas não protegidas quimicamente. Em 2004, quando os níveis da doença foram relativamente elevados, plantas submetidas ao controle químico apresentaram produção 54 % superior àquelas não tratadas. Em 2005, quando os níveis de cancro foram menores, não foi observada diferença na produtividade entre os tratamentos. Nas duas safras, plantas tratadas com bactericida apresentaram menor incidência da doença em frutos e maior proporção de frutos colhidos em relação a carga total da planta (colhidos + caídos). Dos modelos testados, o logístico foi o mais adequado para descrever o progresso temporal do cancro cítrico nos dois anos estudados para todos os tratamentos. Nas duas safras estudadas a proporção de frutos colhidos foi a variável que apresentou função de dano com maior coeficiente de determinação (R2) quando relacionada aos níveis de incidência e severidade de cancro cítrico observados.Citrus canker, caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri, is one of the most important diseases to citrus production. The effect of alternative measures of citrus canker control is very important to areas where plant eradication is the most important measure of control, as in Sao Paulo State, as well as to areas where eradication is not a major component of canker control, as in Parana State. This work aimed to study the progress of citrus canker in field conditions under chemical control, by using copper sprays; and cultural control, by using windbreak. Field plots were installed in a citrus orchard of Pêra sweet orange located in Ourizona county, northwest of Parana State, Brazil. Information regarding the effect of each treatment alone or in combination was assessed. Whereas copper sprays showed significant effect on reducing citrus canker levels, windbreak did not contribute significantly to disease control. After 29 monthly assessments, plants submitted to copper sprays showed values of AUDPC* of citrus canker incidence near to 20 %. This disease level was 44 % lower than that observed to plants not protected with copper compound. The same pattern was observed to disease severity. After 18 monthly assessments, plants sprayed with copper showed values of AUDPC* of disease severity 37 % lower than that observed to plants of the check plots. In 2004, when the citrus canker level was higher, plants treated with copper yielded 54 % more than that not sprayed. In 2005, when the citrus canker level was lower, no significant difference was observed between treatments. In both seasons, plants sprayed with copper showed lower citrus canker incidence on fruits and higher rate of harvested fruits. Among the temporal models tested, the logistic was the most appropriate to describe citrus canker incidence over time in both years studied to all treatments. In both harvests the rate of harvested fruits was the variable that showed the higher coefficient of determination (R2) when related to citrus canker incidence and severity levels

Thirteen decades of antimicrobial copper compounds applied in agriculture. A review

Since the initial use of Bordeaux mixture in 1885 for plant disease control, a large number of copper-based antimicrobial compounds (CBACs) have been developed and applied for crop protection. While these compounds have revolutionized crop protection in the twentieth century, their continuous and frequent use has also raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of copper (Cu)-based crop protection system. Here, we review CBACs used in crop protection and highlight their benefits and risks, and potential for their improvement and opportunities for further research to develop alternatives to CBACs. The major findings are (i) the relatively high toxicity to plant pathogens, low cost, low mammalian toxicity of the fixed Cu compounds, and their chemical stability and prolonged residual effects are major benefits of these compounds; (ii) phytotoxicity, development of copper-resistant strains, soil accumulation, and negative effects on soil biota as well as on food quality parameters are key disadvantages of CBACs; (iii) regulatory pressure in agriculture worldwide to limit the use of CBACs has led to several restrictions, including that imposed by the regulation 473/2002 in the European Union; and (iv) mitigation strategies to limit the negative effects of CBACs include their optimized use, soil remediation, and development and application of alternatives to CBACs for a sustainable crop protection. We conclude that recent research and policy efforts have led to the development of a number of alternatives to CBACs, which should be further intensified to ensure that growers have sufficient tools for the implementation of sustainable crop protection strategies.</p

Characterization of a unique copper resistance gene cluster in Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris isolated in Trinidad, West Indies

Whole genome sequencing of a copper resistant (CuR) black rot strain of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) isolated from a broccoli plant in Trinidad revealed a unique operon for copper resistance. The cop genes of strain Xcc-BrA1 were determined to be present on a 160 to 180 kb plasmid shown to be non-conjugative with other xanthomonads. While nucleotide comparison of a putative 8.0 Kbp copLABMGF gene cluster identified in Xcc-BrA1 genome did not reveal any homologous region with other known CuR Xanthomonas strains from diverse origins, the comparison of the translated amino acid sequence indicated similarity with X. citri, X. c. pv. citrumelonis and X. vesicatoria Cop proteins. Cloning of the copLAB gene cluster from Xcc-BrA1 conferred copper resistance to other copper-sensitive xanthomonads. Although Xcc-BrA1 harbors copLAB genes with similar sizes and organization and is able to grow on Cu-amended medium as other CuR xanthomonads, the phylogenetic analysis of nucleotide sequences indicates that the cop cluster in Xcc-BrA1 is unique and distantly related to other copLAB genes from Xanthomonas and Stenotrophomonas. The origin of copper resistance genes in Xcc-BrA1 is likely a result of horizontal gene acquisition from a still unknown phylloplane cohabitant. The findings of this study have implications for the management of crop diseases caused by CuR xanthomonads. Future studies could focus on and determining the distribution, overall importance and appropriate control measures for strains harbouring these unique genes.EEA Bella VistaFil: Behlau, Franklin. Fundo de Defesa da Citricultura. Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento; BrasilFil: Gochez, Alberto Martin. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Bella Vista; ArgentinaFil: Lugo, Alshia Janel. University of the West Indies. Faculty of Science and Technology. Department of Life Sciences; Trinidad y TobagoFil: Elibox, Winston. University of the West Indies. Faculty of Science and Technology. Department of Life Sciences; Trinidad y TobagoFil: Minsavage, Gerald V. University of Florida. Department of Plant Pathology; Estados UnidosFil: Potnis, Neha . University of Florida. Department of Plant Pathology; Estados UnidosFil: White, Frank F. Kansas State University. Department of Plant Pathology; Estados UnidosFil: Ebrahim, Mohamed. University of Florida. Department of Plant Pathology; Estados Unidos. Ain Shams University. Faculty of Agriculture. Department of Plant Pathology; EgiptoFil: Jones, Jeffrey B. University of Florida. Department of Plant Pathology; Estados UnidosFil: Ramsubhag, Adesh. University of the West Indies. Faculty of Science and Technology. Department of Life Sciences; Trinidad y Tobag

MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry for the Diagnosis of Citrus Canker Caused by <i>Xanthomonas citri</i> subsp. <i>citri</i>

Citrus canker, caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc), is a disease that causes serious problems to the global citrus industry. Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight (MALDI-TOF) Mass Spectrometry (MS) has been used in human medicine to diagnose various diseases caused by both fungi and bacteria. In agriculture, this technique has potential for the diagnosis of diseases due to the low cost of large-scale analysis and quickness. This study showed that MALDI-TOF MS combined with chemometric analysis was effective for differentiating the macromolecule profile of orange leaves with canker lesions, healthy leaves, and leaves with phytotoxicity symptoms, proving that this technique may be used for the rapid diagnosis of citrus canker

Agronomic Performance of Sweet Orange Genotypes under the Brazilian Humid Subtropical Climate

The diversification of Citrus spp. orchards, for both scion and rootstock genotypes, is essential to prevent outbreaks of insects and diseases, improve yield and fruit quality, and extend harvesting and industrial juice processing. Furthermore, this enables growers to obtain higher off-season profits. Citrus plantings were prohibited in most regions of the state of Paran&aacute; in the past due to the spread of citrus canker disease. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the agronomic performance of distinct early- and mid-season sweet orange cultivars (C. sinensis (L.) Osbeck) regarding vegetative growth, fruit quality, and yield under the Brazilian humid subtropical climate in order to select new alternatives of sweet orange for the industrial and fresh fruit markets. The experimental orchard was planted in 2012 with 15 sweet orange cultivars (early-maturing: Bahia Cabula, Diva, Cadenera, Marrs, Midsweet, Paulista, Rubi, and Westin; mid-season maturing: Berna Peret, Jaffa, Khalily White, Fukuhara, Seleta do Rio, Seleta Tardia, and Shamouti) grafted on Rangpur lime (C. limonia (L.) Osbeck). The experimental design was randomized blocks with three replicates and five trees per plot, analyzed between each maturation group. Data were submitted to analysis of variance followed by Tukey&rsquo;s test (p &le; 0.05). Regarding the early-season cultivars, Diva had the tallest trees with largest canopy diameter and volume, differing from Marrs, which had the smallest trees. Shamouti and Khalily White trees were greatly different from all other mid-season cultivars and produced low fruit load over the evaluated period. The early-season Midsweet scored the highest yield and technological index, similar to the mid-season Berna Peret, producing fruits of high juice quality. These genotypes are more effective under the current situation faced by the citrus industry, as the economic life of orchards has been reduced due huanglongbing (HLB). Altogether, Midsweet and Berna Peret genotypes, previously reported as being less susceptible to citrus canker under the same soil&ndash;climate condition, are precocious and exhibit higher agronomic potential to be planted in humid subtropical climates, including Brazil and other similar areas around the world

Agronomic Performance of Sweet Orange Genotypes under the Brazilian Humid Subtropical Climate

The diversification of Citrus spp. orchards, for both scion and rootstock genotypes, is essential to prevent outbreaks of insects and diseases, improve yield and fruit quality, and extend harvesting and industrial juice processing. Furthermore, this enables growers to obtain higher off-season profits. Citrus plantings were prohibited in most regions of the state of Paraná in the past due to the spread of citrus canker disease. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the agronomic performance of distinct early- and mid-season sweet orange cultivars (C. sinensis (L.) Osbeck) regarding vegetative growth, fruit quality, and yield under the Brazilian humid subtropical climate in order to select new alternatives of sweet orange for the industrial and fresh fruit markets. The experimental orchard was planted in 2012 with 15 sweet orange cultivars (early-maturing: Bahia Cabula, Diva, Cadenera, Marrs, Midsweet, Paulista, Rubi, and Westin; mid-season maturing: Berna Peret, Jaffa, Khalily White, Fukuhara, Seleta do Rio, Seleta Tardia, and Shamouti) grafted on Rangpur lime (C. limonia (L.) Osbeck). The experimental design was randomized blocks with three replicates and five trees per plot, analyzed between each maturation group. Data were submitted to analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s test (p ≤ 0.05). Regarding the early-season cultivars, Diva had the tallest trees with largest canopy diameter and volume, differing from Marrs, which had the smallest trees. Shamouti and Khalily White trees were greatly different from all other mid-season cultivars and produced low fruit load over the evaluated period. The early-season Midsweet scored the highest yield and technological index, similar to the mid-season Berna Peret, producing fruits of high juice quality. These genotypes are more effective under the current situation faced by the citrus industry, as the economic life of orchards has been reduced due huanglongbing (HLB). Altogether, Midsweet and Berna Peret genotypes, previously reported as being less susceptible to citrus canker under the same soil–climate condition, are precocious and exhibit higher agronomic potential to be planted in humid subtropical climates, including Brazil and other similar areas around the world