Data from: Comparative Analysis Reveals Genomic Characteristics in R-genes for HLB Resistance in Wild Australian Limes

Huanglongbing (HLB) is a devastating citrus disease that threatens the citrus industry globally. HLB is associated with the bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) and lacks tools for economically viable disease management. Previous field evaluation of citrus germplasm identified Australian wild limes as naturally tolerant/resistant to HLB. The resistance was hypothesized to be conferred by resistance genes (R-genes), the products of which mediate pathogen-specific defense responses. To gain insight into the mechanisms underlying HLB-resistance on the genomic level, we annotated and characterized the R-genes in the genomes of five citrus species with different HLB-resistance levels. Among these species, three were wild Australian limes rated as HLB-resistant (Citrus glauca) and HLB-tolerant (C. australasica and C. inodora), and two were cultivated species (C. clementina and C. sinensis) both rated as susceptible.