Dissecting the antibacterial functions of the T6SS-2 cluster in <i>Xanthomonas oryzae</i> for environment and plant protection

The growing concerns over the toxicity, environmental impact, and resistance associated with chemical pesticides underscore the urgent need for alternative pathogen management strategies. In this study, we introduce an innovative approach of "turning waste into treasure" by repurposing plant pathogens as biocontrol-like agents. By elucidating the virulence and antimicrobial functions of <i>Xanthomonas oryzae</i>, we demonstrate that an avirulent mutant can employ its T6SS to effectively combat a broad spectrum of human and plant pathogens. Furthermore, its ability to protect tomato plants underscores its significant potential for sustainable agricultural practices.