Xanthomonas Threats

The genus Xanthomonas includes bacterial plant pathogens of more than 350 plant species including many crop plants. For example Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) causes black rot in brassicas such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, oilseed rape, swede, turnip and mustards. This disease is considered the most important disease of vegetable brassicas worldwide and it occurs annualy in UK brassica growing areas including Lincolnshire and Cornwall. As this disease is more problematic in hot and humid weather, the severity of outbreaks could increase with climate change. Other, less well understood, Xanthomonas species pose a threat to crops including strawberry, watercress, and maize. This project will include a detailed study of Xanthomonas spp genetics and host plant interactions, will identify sources of resistance and potential methods of control, and will assess the risk that some Xanthomonas species pose now and in the future.

The research is organised into four work packages

1. improve knowledge of Xanthomonas bacterial pathogens through the use of genomics
2. identify and characterize host resistance
3. use molecular and imaging tools to study host range, fitness and mode of infection and improve knowledge on transmission and biological control
4. undertake a detailed risk assessment of a significant potential threat

Meet the Xanthomonas Threats Team