Genome Sequencing and Functional Characterization of , the Causal Agent of Bacterial Spot Disease of Cucurbits.

Bacterial leaf spot disease caused by has severely affected the pumpkin industries in the Midwestern region of United States, with the bacteria mainly infecting pumpkin leaves and fruits, and leading to significant yield losses. In this study, we utilized genomics and genetics approaches to elucidate molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis during interaction with its host. We generated the first reference-quality whole-genome sequence of the type isolate and compared with other species, has a smaller genome size with fewer virulence-related genes.