Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris is known as the causative agent of black rot disease,
which attacks mainly crucifers, severely lowering their global productivity. One of the main
virulence factors of this pathogen is its capability to penetrate and form biofilm structures in the
xylem vessels. The discovery of novel approaches to crop disease management is urgent and a
possible treatment could be aimed at the eradication of biofilm, although anti-biofilm approaches
in agricultural microbiology are still rare. Considering the multifactorial nature of biofilm, an
effective approach against Xanthomonas campestris implies the use of a multi-targeted or
combinatorial strategy. In this paper, an anti-biofilm strategy based on the use of fatty acids and the
bacteriophage (Xccφ1)-hydroxyapatite complex was optimized against Xanthomonas campestris
mature biofilm. The synergic action of these elements was demonstrated and the efficient removal
of Xanthomonas campestris mature biofilm was also proven in a flow cell system, making the
proposed approach an effective solution to enhance plant survival in Xanthomonas campestris
infections. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms responsible for the efficacy of the proposed
treatment were explored
