HAI2-naive strains of Pectobacterium from New Zealand

Conjugation assays to transfer HAI2, a genomic island present in Pectobacterium atrosepticum SCRI1043 associated with virulence of this pathogen in potato plants, were not successful despite the similarities of several proposed Erwinia recipient strains. In order to understand the genetic background of each strain and the presence of other mobile elements influencing the transfer of HAI2, we proposed the genome sequencing of the recipient strains, which combined with our results, would clarify this phenomenon.