Phylo-taxonogenomics supports revision of taxonomic status of twenty Xanthomonas pathovars to Xanthomonas citri

Abstract

Based on phylo-taxonogenomics criteria, we present amended descriptions for twenty pathovars to Xanthomonas citri. Incidentally, eighteen were first reported from India. Seven out of twenty are currently classified as X. axonopodis, twelve out of twenty as X. campestris, and one as X. cissicola. In this study, we have generated genome sequence data of four pathovars, and the genomes of the remaining sixteen were used from the published data. Comprehensive genome-based phylogenomic and taxonogenomic analyses reveal that all these pathovars belong to X. citri and need to reconcile their taxonomic status. The present proposal will aid in systematic studies of a major species and its constitutent members that infect economically important plants.