DISCOVERY, GENOMIC DIVERSITY, AND PATHOGENICITY OF THE BACTERIAL LEAF STREAK CAUSING PANTOEA ANANATIS AND PANTOEA AGGLOMERANS IN WHEAT

Abstract

This study investigates the genomic characteristics, virulence determinants, and detection methodologies for Pantoea ananatis and Pantoea agglomerans isolates recovered from wheat in South Dakota, USA. These bacteria, recently been linked to wheat infections causing bacterial leaf streak (BLS). Using whole-genome sequencing and comparisons between strains, important genes related to disease especially Type III and Type VI secretion systems were found in the virulence strains. One strain, P. agglomerans SD105, was able to infect both wheat and maize, while another, SD119, affected only wheat. In addition, new qPCR primers were designed and tested to help detect these bacteria more easily in plants. This is the first study to provide comprehensive genomic and pathogenicity evidence confirming Pantoea species as wheat pathogens in the United States.. It also helps understand how these bacteria evolve and spread to different crops, and offers tools for better disease detection.