Genomic insights of the most prevalent sequence type of Xanthomonas citri pv. punicae strain 118, causative agent of bacterial blight on pomegranate
Abstract
The most destructive pathogen of pomegranate, Xanthomonas citri pv. punicae (Xcp) , causes bacterial blight or oily spots affecting quality and quantity of pomegranate production worldwide. Different Xcp isolates obtained from geographically distant regions exhibit remarkable similarities based on multi-locus sequence analysis (MLSA) and SSR marker-based analysis. These isolates can be grouped into just four sequence types (ST1-4) highlighting the clonal nature of the pathogen. In the current study, genome of one of the isolates of Xcp (Xcp-118) belonging to ST3 (which is more prevalent and virulent) was sequenced and annotated. The results offer genomic characterization of genes potentially associated with survival and virulence in this isolate. Further, phylogenetic analysis was carried out on 23 whole genome sequences of different species and pathovars of Xanthomonas. The results reemphasize on the genetic similarity exhibited by different pathovars of X. citri indicating towards the host-specific mechanism for induction of virulence genes as these pathovars are unable to cross-infect the host plant. Thus, in future, the complete genome sequence of Xcp-118 can be exploited to unveil novel insights into the organization of genes involved in pathogenesis of Xcp on pomegranate and may assist in developing suitable blight management practices.
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BibTeX
@article{manjunatha2026genomic,
title = {{Genomic insights of the most prevalent sequence type of Xanthomonas citri pv. punicae strain 118, causative agent of bacterial blight on pomegranate}},
author = {N. Manjunatha and S. S. Pokhare and J. Sharma and P. G. Patil and Vimalkumar S. Prajapati and R. Agarrwal and M. G. Chakranarayan and R. A. Marathe},
journal = {Scientific Reports},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1038/s41598-026-52082-w},
url = {https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-52082-w},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Genomic insights of the most prevalent sequence type of Xanthomonas citri pv. punicae strain 118, causative agent of bacterial blight on pomegranate
AU - N. Manjunatha
AU - S. S. Pokhare
AU - J. Sharma
AU - P. G. Patil
AU - Vimalkumar S. Prajapati
AU - R. Agarrwal
AU - M. G. Chakranarayan
AU - R. A. Marathe
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/05
JO - Scientific Reports
DO - 10.1038/s41598-026-52082-w
UR - https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-52082-w
AB - The most destructive pathogen of pomegranate, Xanthomonas citri pv. punicae (Xcp) , causes bacterial blight or oily spots affecting quality and quantity of pomegranate production worldwide. Different Xcp isolates obtained from geographically distant regions exhibit remarkable similarities based on multi-locus sequence analysis (MLSA) and SSR marker-based analysis. These isolates can be grouped into just four sequence types (ST1-4) highlighting the clonal nature of the pathogen. In the current study, genome of one of the isolates of Xcp (Xcp-118) belonging to ST3 (which is more prevalent and virulent) was sequenced and annotated. The results offer genomic characterization of genes potentially associated with survival and virulence in this isolate. Further, phylogenetic analysis was carried out on 23 whole genome sequences of different species and pathovars of Xanthomonas. The results reemphasize on the genetic similarity exhibited by different pathovars of X. citri indicating towards the host-specific mechanism for induction of virulence genes as these pathovars are unable to cross-infect the host plant. Thus, in future, the complete genome sequence of Xcp-118 can be exploited to unveil novel insights into the organization of genes involved in pathogenesis of Xcp on pomegranate and may assist in developing suitable blight management practices.
SN - 2045-2322
ER -