Biofilm formation and virulence factors of Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri associated to canker development in citrus plants.

ADRIÁN A. VOJNOV

Foz Iguazu

Conferencia; International Citrus Congress 2016; 2016

Citrus canker, caused by Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (Xcc), is one of the mayor diseases producing great economic losses worldwide. Xcc invades the host leaf mesophyll tissue through natural openings and can also survive as an epiphyte. We have focused on the identification of Xcc genes involved in virulence factor production and its regulation. Biofilm formation, xanthan and cyclic β-(1,2)-glucan play a key role in epiphytic fitness and canker development. The Rpf/DSF cell-cell signaling system and the second messenger c-di-GMP were shown to be associated with regulation of xanthan and cyclic β-(1,2)-glucan synthesis and in processes such as motility and chemotaxis. Through a collection of Xcc mutants, we have underscored, at least in part, the multifactorial genetic program underlying the establishment of biofilm and pathogenicity of Xcc in citrus plants.