Genome sequencing of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris from WHRI collection

The genus Xanthomonas includes bacterial plant pathogens of more than 350 plant species including many crop plants. For example Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) causes black rot in brassicas such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, oilseed rape, swede, turnip and mustards. This disease is considered the most important disease of vegetable brassicas worldwide and it occurs annualy in UK brassica growing areas including Lincolnshire and Cornwall. As this disease is more problematic in hot and humid weather, the severity of outbreaks could increase with climate change.The WHRI (Warwick Horticulture Research International) is now part of the University of Warwick.