Whole genome sequencing of Xanthomonas citri punicae

Bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas citri pv. punicae (Xcp) severely hit the pomegranate production. Producing complete, circular genomes is important to understand how this bacterium functions. Our study aimed to investigate the Xcp by performing whole genome sequencing of nine isolates in the Illumina platform and hybrid assemblies of Xcp1 isolate using a combination of Illumina and Oxford Nanopore reads to produce closed genome sequences. Like other xanthomonads, Xcp uses type 3 secretion systems (T3SS) to deliver key pathogenicity effectors to host cells. Other accessory genes are often present in mobile genetic elements viz., transposons and plasmids which are important drivers for the survival and pathogenesis of Xcp. Acquisition of genes through horizontal gene transfer can lead to the rapid emergence of new bacterial genotypes with more virulence and increased fitness. Hence our whole genome assemblies are focused on investigating secretomes, effector proteins, genomic localization of antibiotic resistant genes, pan genomes, plasmid structure and pathogenic islands. In turn, this helps in understanding the virulence of the pathogen. This study aimed to provide the research community with complete level genomes for nine isolates of X. citri pv. punicae by sequencing with Illumina and one isolate with hybrid assembly.