Introduction and adaptation of an emerging pathogen to olive trees in Italy

• DOI: 10.1099/mgen.0.000735
• Publication Date: 2021-12-14T15:17:29Z
• Authors: Anne Sicard; Maria Saponari; Mathieu Vanhove; Andreina I. Castillo; Annalisa Giampetr...; Giuliana Loconsole; Pasquale Saldarelli; Donato Boscia; Claire Neema; Rodrigo P. P. Alm...
• Keywords: Xylella fastidiosa; Olive trees

The invasive plant pathogen Xylella fastidiosa currently threatens European flora through the loss of economically and culturally important host plants. This emerging vector-borne bacterium, native to Americas, causes several diseases in a wide range plants including crops, ornamentals, trees. Previously absent from Europe, considered quarantine pathogen, X. was first detected Apulia, Italy 2013 associated with devastating disease olive trees (Olive Quick Decline Syndrome, OQDS). OQDS has led significant economic, environmental, cultural, as well political crises. Although biology have been studied for over century, there is still no information on determinants specificity between bacterial genotypes species, which particularly relevant today expanding naive landscape. We analysed genomes 79 samples diseased across affected area most genetically closely related strains Central America. provided insights into ecological evolutionary emergence this Italy. showed that outbreak Apulia due single introduction America we estimated occurred 2008 [95 % HPD: 1930-2016]. By using combination population genomic approaches genomics methods, further identified short list genes could play major role adaptation new environment. finally experimental evidence strain