Comparative genomics, pangenomics, and phenomic studies of Pectobacterium betavasculorum strains isolated from sugar beet, potato, sunflower, and artichoke: insights into pathogenicity, virulence determinants, and adaptation to the host plant

• DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1352318
• Publication Date: 2024-03-21T04:48:20Z
• Authors: Maria Borowska-Be...; Magdalena Smoktun...; Daria Horoszkiewicz; Joanna Jonca; Michal Mateusz Wa...; Jan Gawor; Adriana Mika; Tomasz Sledzinski; Krzysztof Waleron; Malgorzata Waleron
• Keywords: Comparative Genomics; Pectobacterium; Helianthus

Introduction Bacteria of genus Pectobacterium , encompassing economically significant pathogens affecting various plants, includes the species P. betavasculorum initially associated with beetroot infection. However, its host range is much broader. It causes diseases sunflower, potato, tomato, carrots, sweet radish, squash, cucumber, and chrysanthemum. To explain this phenomenon, a comprehensive pathogenomic phenomic characterisation was performed. Methods Genomes strains isolated from artichoke were sequenced compared those sugar beet isolates. Metabolic profiling analyses conducted to assess virulence determinants adaptation potential. Pathogenicity assays performed on potato tubers chicory leaves confirm in silico predictions disease symptoms. Phenotypic also ability synthesise homoserine lactones siderophores. Results The genome size ranged 4.675 4.931 kbp, GC % between 51.0% 51.2%. pangenome open comprises, average, 4,220 gene families. Of these, 83% genes are core genome, 2% entire unique genes. Strains have smaller higher number than other plants. Interestingly, genomes sunflower share 391 common CDS that not present or potato. Those only one gene. All could use numerous sugars as building materials energy sources possessed high repertoire genomes. able cause symptoms leaves. They Discussion findings underscore adaptability diverse hosts environments. adapted plants content tissues different composition fatty acids membranes mechanism replenishing nitrogen case deficiency compound derived plant species. Extensive phenomics genomic study shown an agronomically relevant pathogen.