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Published on: July 4, 2007
Genetic Characterization of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis Population in Turkey
Yusuf Sen1, Yesim Aysan2, Mustafa Mirik3
1Wageningen University and Research, Plant Breeding, 6700 AJ Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
The pathogenic gram-positive bacterium Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (Smith) Davis et al. is the most harmful bacterium to tomatoes in many countries with a cooler climate. Multilocus sequence analysis was performed on five housekeeping genes (bipA, gyrB, kdpA, ligA, and sdhA) and three virulence-related genes (ppaA, chpC, and tomA) to determine evolutionary relationships and population structure of 108 C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis strains collected from Turkey between 1996 and 2012. Based on these analyses, we concluded that C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis in Turkey is highly uniform. However, at least four novel C. michiganensis subsp. michiganensis strains were recently introduced, possibly at the beginning of the 1990s. The singletons might point to additional sources or to strains that have evolved locally in Turkey.
Insights
Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis strains in Turkey show high uniformity. However, recent introductions of novel strains suggest ongoing evolution and potential new sources of this harmful tomato pathogen.
Area of Science:
- Plant Pathology
- Bacteriology
- Microbial Genetics
Background:
- Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis (C. m. michiganensis) is a significant bacterial pathogen affecting tomato crops globally, particularly in cooler climates.
- Understanding the genetic diversity and population structure of C. m. michiganensis is crucial for managing its spread and impact on tomato production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolutionary relationships and population structure of Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. michiganensis strains prevalent in Turkey.
- To analyze genetic diversity using both housekeeping and virulence-related genes to understand pathogen dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) was employed.
- Eight genes were analyzed: five housekeeping genes (bipA, gyrB, kdpA, ligA, sdhA) and three virulence-related genes (ppaA, chpC, tomA).
- 108 C. m. michiganensis strains collected in Turkey between 1996 and 2012 were studied.
Main Results:
- The C. m. michiganensis population in Turkey exhibited a high degree of genetic uniformity.
- Analysis identified at least four novel strains recently introduced, likely around the early 1990s.
- Singleton strains may indicate additional introduction sources or local evolutionary events within Turkey.
Conclusions:
- Despite overall uniformity, recent introductions highlight the dynamic nature of C. m. michiganensis populations in Turkey.
- The findings suggest continuous influx of new strains, necessitating ongoing monitoring for effective disease management in tomato cultivation.
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