Comparative genomics of '<i>Xanthomonas cannabis</i>' reveals an emerging, diverse pathogen.

ABSTRACT: We report the presence of the emerging plant pathogen 'Xanthomonas cannabis' in Australia through a comprehensive analysis of five historical isolates and all publicly available genomes of the species. Using comparative genomics, we characterized four isolates collected from Zinnia spp. and one from Cucurbita pepo. Our findings show that the Zinnia isolates form a distinct phylogroup with the pathotype strain of 'X. cannabis' pv. zinniae. This group possesses genes for the type 3 secretion system (T3SS) and effectors, a variety of genes unique within the species, and nine genomic islands associated with virulence and drug resistance. In contrast, the C. pepo isolate is genetically distinct and lacks the T3SS but contains its own genes unique

SUBMITTER: McKnight DJE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12662623 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature