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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Parlier, California » San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center » Crop Diseases, Pests and Genetics Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #301472
Title: Comparative genomics of the liberibacteral plant pathogens

Author
item Lin, Hong
item Civerolo, Edwin

Submitted to: Springer Verlag
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/20/2014
Publication Date: 6/5/2014
Citation: Lin, H., Civerolo, E.L. 2014. Comparative genomics of the liberibacteral plant pathogens. In Gross, DC. et al.(ed) Genomics of Plant-Associated Bacteria, Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg. Available: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-55378-3_9. ISBN: 978-3-642-55377-6. p.203-233.

Interpretive Summary: Candidatus Liberibacter species are plant pathogens that have caused tremendous economic losses to agricultural crops. Diseases associated with these plant pathogens include citrus huanglongbing (greening) and potato zebra chip. Since the causative agents are yet unculturable, information regarding genetics and pathogenesis of the pathogens is limited. Comparative analyses of multiple Liberibacter genomes provide unprecedented insights into the evolutionary history and phylogenetic and metabolomic capacities in these pathogenic bacteria. The availablity of genomic information will facilitate improved understanding of the complex and diverse mechanisms of Liberibacter-associated crop diseases and development of effective strategies for disease management.

Technical Abstract: Comparative analyses of multiple Liberibacter genomes provide significant insights into the evolutionary history, genetic diversity, and phylogenetic and metabolomic capacities among pathogenic bacteria that have caused tremendous economic losses to agricultural crops. In addition, genomic analyses of plant disease-associated Liberibacters have led to identification of potential or putative pathogenicity and virulence factors, as well as biomarkers associated with Liberibacter-host plant interactions. The availability of specific biomarkers associated with Liberibacter-host plant interactions will aid in development of improved, reliable diagnostic protocols for early (i.e. pre-symptomatic), rapid Liberibacter detection as part of disease management strategies. Knowledge of specific Liberibacter genes and their products associated with pathogenicity and virulence, as well as interactions with psyllid vectors, should lead to identification of potential targets for mitigating Liberibacter acquisition and transmission by psyllids, host plant infection, and disease development. Finally, genomics-based research will facilitate improved understanding of the complex and diverse mechanisms of Liberibacter plant interactions.