Summary
This study presents a global-scale genomic characterisation of Xanthomonas euvesicatoria pv. perforans, the dominant causal agent of bacterial spot in tomato, using genome sequences from 270 strains across 13 countries. The analysis reveals notable genetic diversity and population structure, with evidence of intercontinental dissemination through tomato seed production chains and ongoing evolution of the pathogen pangenome, including acquisition and loss of virulence-associated type III secreted effectors. The findings underscore the pathogen as a model for understanding emergence and diversification of recently evolved bacterial plant pathogens.
Regional applicability
The study is global in scope and does not report United Kingdom-specific data. However, the findings are relevant to UK horticulture as Xanthomonas spp. are regulated quarantine pathogens in European tomato production; understanding global population structure and virulence factor diversity informs risk assessment and management strategies for domestic production and seed imports.
Key measures
Whole-genome phylogenetic analysis, type III secreted effector (Xop) gene diversity, strain genetic relatedness across geographical regions
Outcomes reported
The study characterised genetic diversity and population structure of Xanthomonas euvesicatoria pv. perforans across 270 strains from 13 countries using whole-genome sequencing, and examined variation in type III secreted effectors in relationship to phylogenetic lineages.
Topic tags
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