# Whole-Genome Analysis of a Historical Strain of Xanthomonas citri pv. citri Reveals Structural Variations

## TL;DR

This study analyzes the genome of a historical strain of a citrus canker bacterium to understand its evolution and spread.

## Contribution

The study provides a complete genome sequence of a historical Xcc strain and identifies structural variations linked to pathogenicity.

## Key findings

- The genome of Xcc strain GD82 was sequenced and compared with modern strains.
- Structural variations and phage-related fragments suggest links to pathogenicity and adaptation.
- The findings offer insights into the evolutionary history of citrus canker in China.

## Abstract

Plant disease specimens are invaluable resources for investigating the origin and spread mechanisms of plant pathogenic microorganisms. Citrus canker, caused by Xanthomonas citri pv. citri (Xcc), is one of the most devastating bacterial diseases in citrus production. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of Xcc strain GD82, isolated from Guangdong Province during the early outbreak stage in the 1980s. Comparative analysis with modern genomes revealed key differences in structural variations, functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and phage-related fragments, suggesting potential associations between insertions/deletions (InDels) and pathogenicity or environmental adaptation. This study provides critical insights into the evolutionary trajectory of Xcc and the epidemiological dynamics of citrus canker in China.