About this Research Topic
Rapid evolution resulting in the emergence of more virulent, competitive, or elusive plant pathogenic bacteria is a major challenge for disease management. Comparative and population genomics are key to understanding bacterial genomic dynamics and developing strategies to control the pathogen. Many bacterial pathogens use several virulence mechanisms such as protein secretion (e.g. Type III/IV effectors), phytohormone or toxin production, extracellular hydrolytic enzymes (e.g. cellulases) and others to mediate interactions with their hosts. Comparative and population genomics provide insights into changing pathogen populations and virulence factors by identifying genes under selection. These findings can be translated to help determine resistance targets to limit pathogen expansion. Moreover, genomics has greatly assisted the study of unculturable pathogenic bacteria and interactions with their hosts. Alongside interactions with plants, bacteria use various mechanisms for enhancing fitness in host-pathogen interactions, including vector colonization and competitiveness with the surrounding microbial community. Genetic exchange of fitness factors, antibiotic and copper resistance, and effectors leads to emerging pathogen populations and potentially increases the challenges in disease management.
Basic research on population, comparative and functional genomics in plant pathogenic bacteria can be translated to applied research. Increasing global trade, climate change and rapid microbial evolution have led to emerging and evolving bacterial populations in different cropping systems. Novel pathogens and newer host interaction mechanisms have been identified, and the goal of this research topic is to highlight recent advancements in microbial populations and comparative genomics on host-pathogen interactions, microbial competition, including pathogen fitness, antibiotic resistance, molecular epidemiology and evolution.
Topics include, but are not limited to
• Population genomics of plant pathogenic bacteria
• Computational and functional genomics of bacterial genes affecting host and microbial community interactions
• Genomics study of antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity
• Molecular epidemiology and evolution
Basic research on population, comparative and functional genomics in plant pathogenic bacteria can be translated to applied research. Increasing global trade, climate change and rapid microbial evolution have led to emerging and evolving bacterial populations in different cropping systems. Novel pathogens and newer host interaction mechanisms have been identified, and the goal of this research topic is to highlight recent advancements in microbial populations and comparative genomics on host-pathogen interactions, microbial competition, including pathogen fitness, antibiotic resistance, molecular epidemiology and evolution.
Topics include, but are not limited to
• Population genomics of plant pathogenic bacteria
• Computational and functional genomics of bacterial genes affecting host and microbial community interactions
• Genomics study of antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity
• Molecular epidemiology and evolution
Keywords: Plant pathogenic bacteria, population genetics, evolution, host-pathogen interactions, effectors
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