Whole-genome sequencing and biocontrol functional analysis of Pseudomonas chlororaphis XZL-8 for controlling poplar canker pathogen Cytospora chrysosperma
- 1Guangdong Academy of Forestry/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Forest Silviculture, Protection and Utilization/Key Laboratory of National Forestry and Grassland Administration on Ecosystem Conservation and Restoration in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area
Abstract
Introduction: Poplar canker triggered by Cytospora chrysosperma severely damages forest production, and screening efficient antagonistic bacteria is a sustainable strategy for eco-friendly disease management. This study aimed to characterize the taxonomic status, genomic features and biocontrol potential of strain XZL-8.
Methods: Polyphasic identification and whole-genome sequencing were conducted to confirm the species of strain XZL-8. Functional annotation against NR, COG, GO and KEGG databases and antiSMASH secondary metabolite prediction were carried out to decode its functional genes. A series of in vitro antagonistic experiments, as well as detached branch inoculation assays, were implemented to verify its phenotypic traits.
Results: Strain XZL-8 was classified as Pseudomonas chlororaphis subsp. aureofaciens . A total of 22 secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters were predicted in its genome; the gene clusters encoding hydrogen cyanide and pyrrolnitrin synthesis shared high homology with known reference clusters, with similarity coefficients reaching 0.85 and 0.99, respectively. Phenotypic assays showed that the strain inhibited the pathogen via direct antagonism, extracellular metabolites, and volatile substances. Genomic analysis further uncovered candidate genes linked to plant-beneficial properties such as hydrolytic enzyme production, HCN synthesis, and phosphate solubilization. Detached-branch assays confirmed its promising protective effect against woody stem canker.
Conclusion: Strain XZL-8 harbors abundant genetic determinants putatively linked to biocontrol and plant-beneficial traits. In vitro and detached-branch tests demonstrated its biocontrol potential against C. chrysosperma , and therefore it is a promising candidate for developing microbial agents for the management of woody stem canker.
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BibTeX
@article{huang2026wholegenome,
title = {{Whole-genome sequencing and biocontrol functional analysis of Pseudomonas chlororaphis XZL-8 for controlling poplar canker pathogen Cytospora chrysosperma}},
author = {Huayi Huang and Yi Zhao and Chenglong Gao and Lili Hu and Danyang Zhao},
journal = {Frontiers in Microbiology},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.3389/fmicb.2026.1973011},
url = {https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1973011/full},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Whole-genome sequencing and biocontrol functional analysis of Pseudomonas chlororaphis XZL-8 for controlling poplar canker pathogen Cytospora chrysosperma
AU - Huayi Huang
AU - Yi Zhao
AU - Chenglong Gao
AU - Lili Hu
AU - Danyang Zhao
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/02
JO - Frontiers in Microbiology
DO - 10.3389/fmicb.2026.1973011
UR - https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2026.1973011/full
AB - Introduction: Poplar canker triggered by Cytospora chrysosperma severely damages forest production, and screening efficient antagonistic bacteria is a sustainable strategy for eco-friendly disease management. This study aimed to characterize the taxonomic status, genomic features and biocontrol potential of strain XZL-8. Methods: Polyphasic identification and whole-genome sequencing were conducted to confirm the species of strain XZL-8. Functional annotation against NR, COG, GO and KEGG databases and antiSMASH secondary metabolite prediction were carried out to decode its functional genes. A series of in vitro antagonistic experiments, as well as detached branch inoculation assays, were implemented to verify its phenotypic traits. Results: Strain XZL-8 was classified as Pseudomonas chlororaphis subsp. aureofaciens . A total of 22 secondary metabolite biosynthetic gene clusters were predicted in its genome; the gene clusters encoding hydrogen cyanide and pyrrolnitrin synthesis shared high homology with known reference clusters, with similarity coefficients reaching 0.85 and 0.99, respectively. Phenotypic assays showed that the strain inhibited the pathogen via direct antagonism, extracellular metabolites, and volatile substances. Genomic analysis further uncovered candidate genes linked to plant-beneficial properties such as hydrolytic enzyme production, HCN synthesis, and phosphate solubilization. Detached-branch assays confirmed its promising protective effect against woody stem canker. Conclusion: Strain XZL-8 harbors abundant genetic determinants putatively linked to biocontrol and plant-beneficial traits. In vitro and detached-branch tests demonstrated its biocontrol potential against C. chrysosperma , and therefore it is a promising candidate for developing microbial agents for the management of woody stem canker.
SN - 1664-302X
ER -