VIRULENCE IN XANTHOMONAS: IMPLICATIONS FOR PATHOGEN EVOLUTION AND CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR EVIDENCES

Molecular infection biology and evolutionary theories have yielded insights into the evolution of bacterial virulence. Virulence evolution is contingent on host interactions, environmental heterogeneity that drives evolution and co-existence of multiple clones occupying different niches, intra- and interspecies social interactions, multi environments lifecycles, and transmission. Xanthomonas comprises an important ubiquitous group of Gram-negative plant pathogenic bacteria causing diverse plant diseases in several crops, fruits and vegetables. Mechanisms of virulence in Xanthomonas are brought about through several mechanisms such as a co-ordinated network of protein secretion systems, transcription-modulating effectors, and surface polysaccharides to suppress plant immunity and colonize host tissues. Rapid adaptation through genetic mechanisms exacerbates challenges in disease management. The rise of antibiotic resistance and climate-driven shifts in pathogen distribution threatens food security. The goal of the current review is summarize the current knowledge of virulence in Xanthomonas along with the genetics contribution and discuss the current anti-virulence approaches in practice against this important pathogen. Given the wider significance of the pathogen in plant diseases regular updates will aid in assessing new cellular and molecular virulence factors. Also offers ample opportunities for development anti-virulence methods. In summary, the theme emerging from the current available data is that several global hotspots exists explaining the diversity and host-range. Further, genus and strain level virulence factors are deployed by the pathogen to counter the host defenses.