GENOME SEQUENCE OF A STRAIN OF XYLELLA FASTIDIOSA ASSOCIATED WITH PIERCES DISEASE IN CALIFORNIA

• Author(s): Civerolo, Ed; Fapesp, Onsa; Kitajima, Joao; Oliveira, Mariana; Sluys, Marie-Anne;
• Abstract: Several economically important diseases of agronomic and horticultural crops, as well as landscape and forest trees, are caused by different strains or pathogenic variants of Xylella fastidiosa (Xf). In California, these include (but are not necessarily limited to) alfalfa dwarf, almond leaf scorch, oleander leaf scorch, and Pierces disease (PD). Other Xf-caused diseases that are potential threats to California agriculture are citrus variegated chlorosis (CVC), phony peach, and plum leaf scald. Recently, the complete genome sequence of Xf strain 9a5c, which causes CVC in Brazil, was determined (3). Such information is useful for increased understanding of Xf-host interactions in order to develop new disease management strategies. However, the nature of, and mechanism(s) involved in, differing host ranges of Xf strains are not completely understood. Therefore, comparative information about the genome structure, specifically the complete genome sequence, of another Xf strain (besides Xf-CVC strain 9a5c) could contribute to elucidation of Xf-host and Xf-insect vector interactions. Accordingly, the complete genome sequence of a strain of Xf associated with PD in California was determined through a cooperative project between the USDA-ARS (including AVF and CDFA) and FAPESP.
• Publication Date: Dec 2001
• Journal: 2001 Pierce's Disease Research Symposium