Genome of Xylella fastidiosa has been sequenced

Xylella fastidiosa (EPPO A1 quarantine pest) has become the first phytopathogenic bacterium to have its genome sequenced. The research, which constitutes a milestone in phytobacteriology, was done at the State of Sao Paolo Research Foundation in Brazil, and published in the July 13 issue of Nature. The strain of the bacterium concerned is the one causing variegated chlorosis of citrus, which is of particular importance in Brazil. EPPO is also concerned with strains causing Pierce's disease of grapevine, and several diseases of fruit trees. Comparison of the sequences of different strains, in relation to host range, should help to categorize more clearly the phytosanitary risk presented by each.

Sources

ProMed-mail

Simpson et al. (2000) Nature 406, 151-157.