Clavibacter-sugarcane: genes associated with plant defense against pathogenic bacterium inhabitant of xylem vessels

• Grant number: 00/07424-0
• Support Opportunities: Genome Research Grants
• Start date: August 01, 2000
• End date: July 31, 2002
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Molecular Genetics and Genetics of Microorganisms
• Principal Investigator: Éder Antônio Giglioti
• Grantee: Éder Antônio Giglioti
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Agrárias (CCA). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). Araras , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Claviacter xyli subsp. xyli (lxx) is the causal agent bacterium of ratoon stunting disease (RSD). In Brazil, the total income lost by the sugarcane producers of the State of Sao Paulo, due to RSD incidence in the last 30 years period, corresponds to approximately U$ 2 billion. Lxx growth is limited to the vessels, tracheids and lacunae of the xylem, where it is frequently associated with a matrix material, leading to the production of gels and gums. Thus, yield losses are induced mainly by the lower water and nutrient uptake through the clogged xylem vessels. Sugarcane probably has innate chemical and/or structural defenses enabling it to recognize lxx and to prevent its xylem colonization either by callose deposition, cells lignifications, tyloses formation, phytoalexin synthesis, gels or phenolic infusions. This data-mining annotation is directed for identification of genes that might be associated with sugarcane defense mechanisms against cxx at the xylem vessels. (AU)