Publications by authors named "Vallad G"

Article Synopsis
  • Type III effectors (T3Es) like XopJ2 are vital for pathogen virulence and becoming key targets for breeding resistance in crops such as tomatoes.
  • The study identifies a new variant of XopJ2, called XopJ2b, which maintains a similar 3D structure to its predecessor despite having only 70% sequence identity and includes an active acetyltransferase domain.
  • XopJ2b is shown to be functionally active, inducing a hypersensitive response in pepper cells, and its presence in diverse strains across various continents suggests it has spread widely through horizontal gene transfer.
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The emergence of plant pathogens is often associated with waves of unique evolutionary and epidemiological events. pv. is one of the major pathogens causing bacterial spot disease of tomatoes.

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In this review, we highlight studies in which whole-genome sequencing, comparative genomics, and population genomics have provided unprecedented insights into past and ongoing pathogen evolution. These include new understandings of the adaptive evolution of secretion systems and their effectors. We focus on pathosystems that have seen intensive study and improved our understanding of pathogen emergence and evolution, particularly in the context of host specialization: citrus canker, bacterial blight of rice, and bacterial spot of tomato and pepper.

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Rapidly evolving bacterial pathogens pose a unique challenge for long-term plant disease management. In this study, we investigated the types and rate of mutations in bacterial populations during seasonal disease epidemics. Two phylogenetically distinct strains of the bacterial spot pathogen, , were marked, released in tomato fields, and recaptured at several time points during the growing season.

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Article Synopsis
  • A draft genome assembly of isolate GEV 3550 has been completed.
  • This isolate was obtained from Florida, USA.
  • The report highlights progress in understanding the genetic makeup of this particular isolate.
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Article Synopsis
  • CDM is a major disease affecting cucurbit crops in the United States, particularly in Florida, which produces many cucurbit species and may serve as a source of infection for other regions.
  • Over two years, researchers collected 274 isolates from various cucurbit plants in Florida to analyze genetic diversity and population structure using SSR markers and qPCR assays.
  • The study found distinct clades of isolates based on the type of cucurbit host, which could impact regional disease management strategies, marking an important step in understanding CDM in Florida and similar areas.
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Bacterial spot of tomato is among the most economically relevant diseases affecting tomato plants globally. In previous studies, non-formulated magnesium oxide nanoparticles (nano-MgOs) significantly reduced the disease severity in greenhouse and field conditions. However, the aggregation of nano-MgO in liquid suspension makes it challenging to use in field applications.

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Ultraviolet light at wavelengths from 254 to 283 nm/has been reported to effectively suppress powdery mildews in several crops, including some cucurbits. Its use to suppress powdery mildew () specifically in cantaloupe has not been previously reported. We evaluated the foregoing technology in cantaloupe fields for suppression of powdery mildew and possible effects on plant growth and yield.

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For most of the 20th century, was the only known bacterium associated with bacterial spot of tomato in Florida. quickly replaced , mainly because of production of three (BCNs) against ; however, outcompeted even when the three known BCNs were deleted. Surprisingly, we observed antimicrobial activity against in the BCN triple mutant when the triple mutant was grown in Petri plates containing multiple spots but not in Petri plates containing only one spot.

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The gene in tomato confers resistance to , and , the most common tropical root-knot nematode (RKN) species found in Florida. wilt (Fol) is another major problem in Florida tomatoes which may interact with RKN and cause more plant damage. To study the interactions between RKN, Fusarium, and in tomato, two greenhouse experiments were conducted.

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Bacterial diseases are a constant threat to crop production globally. Current management strategies rely on an array of tactics, including improved cultural practices; application of bactericides, plant activators, and biocontrol agents; and use of resistant varieties when available. However, effective management remains a challenge, as the longevity of deployed tactics is threatened by constantly changing bacterial populations.

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Copper bactericides are routinely used to control Xanthomonas perforans (XP), causal agent of bacterial spot of tomato. Given the widespread tolerance to copper in XP strains in FL, USA, nanotechnology-based elemental composites have gained interest for their potential applications in agriculture in part due to their enhanced antimicrobial properties and toxicity to copper-tolerant strains. However, little is known about the potential impact of conventional copper bactericides as well as nano-based elemental composites on soil microbial communities, as determined by high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rDNA.

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Bacterial spot disease was first reported from South Africa by Ethel M. Doidge in 1920. In the ensuing century after the initial discovery, the pathogen has gained global attention in plant pathology research, providing insights into host-pathogen interactions, pathogen evolution, and effector discovery, such as the first discovery of transcription activation-like effectors, among many others.

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Bacterial spot is one of the most serious diseases of tomato. It is caused by four species of , , , and . Contaminated or infected seed can be a major source of inoculum for this disease.

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For over a century, breeders have worked to develop tomato () cultivars with resistance to Fusarium wilt () caused by the soilborne fungus f. sp. .

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Fusarium wilt of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus), caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (Fon), has reemerged as a major production constraint in the southeastern USA, especially in Florida.

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Cucurbit production in Florida is impacted by downy mildew on a yearly basis. Cucurbit downy mildew (CDM), caused by , is one of the most devastating cucurbit diseases and can lead to complete yield loss. Nearly continuous production of cucurbits occurs temporally throughout Florida, which puts extensive pressure on the pathogen population to select for individuals that are resistant to fungicides in use labeled for CDM.

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Modern agricultural practices increase the potential for plant pathogen spread, while the advent of affordable whole genome sequencing enables in-depth studies of pathogen movement. Population genomic studies may decipher pathogen movement and population structure as a result of complex agricultural production systems. We used whole genome sequences of 281 Xanthomonas perforans strains collected within one tomato production season across Florida and southern Georgia fields to test for population genetic structure associated with tomato production system variables.

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Disease Symptoms: Symptoms include water-soaked areas surrounded by chlorosis turning into necrotic spots on all aerial parts of plants. On tomato fruits, small, water-soaked, or slightly raised pale-green spots with greenish-white halos are formed, ultimately becoming dark brown and slightly sunken with a scabby or wart-like surface.

Host Range: Main and economically important hosts include different types of tomatoes and peppers.

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Fresh-market tomatoes are produced on a raised-bed plasticulture system that relies heavily on soil-applied preplant fumigants for the management of soilborne pathogens, nematodes, and weeds. Since the transition from methyl bromide to alternative fumigants, growers have experienced a resurgence of several soilborne pests and pathogens, including root-knot nematode caused by spp. and Fusarium wilt caused by f.

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Tomato is an important crop grown worldwide. Various plant diseases cause massive losses in tomato plants due to diverse biotic agents. Bacterial spot of tomato (BST) is a worldwide disease that results in high losses in processed and fresh tomato.

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Copper (Cu) is the most extensively used bactericide worldwide in many agricultural production systems. However, intensive application of Cu bactericide have increased the selection pressure toward Cu-tolerant pathogens, including , the causal agent of tomato bacterial spot. However, alternatives for Cu bactericides are limited and have many drawbacks including plant damage and inconsistent effectiveness under field conditions.

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