Molecular Pathogens 2024, Vol.15, No.2, 83-92 http://microbescipublisher.com/index.php/mp 84 production, and to inform researchers, agronomists, and policymakers about the latest developments and challenges in managing this emerging pathogen. 2 Taxonomy and Biology of Pantoea ananatis 2.1 Historical background and classification Pantoea ananatis, a Gram-negative bacterium, belongs to the family Erwiniaceae within the class Gammaproteobacteria. It was first described as a plant pathogen affecting a variety of crops, including maize, rice, and onions (Coutinho and Venter, 2009; Bragard et al., 2023). The bacterium has been identified in diverse ecological niches, ranging from plant surfaces to the gut microbiota of insects (Coutinho and Venter, 2009; Bragard et al., 2023). Historically, P. ananatis has been recognized for its ability to cause disease symptoms in economically important crops, leading to significant agricultural losses (Coutinho and Venter, 2009; Weller-Stuart et al., 2017). 2.2 Biological characteristics and pathogenicity Pantoea ananatis is a facultatively anaerobic, motile bacterium that produces a yellow pigment in culture (Coutinho and Venter, 2009). It is known for its versatility, being both an epiphyte and an endophyte, and can cause a range of disease symptoms depending on the host plant. These symptoms include leaf blotches, die-back, and bulb rot (Coutinho and Venter, 2009; Weller-Stuart et al., 2017). The bacterium has been isolated from various hosts, including wheat, where it has been identified as a causal agent of disease, particularly in regions like Poland (Krawczyk et al., 2020a). P. ananatis can also act as a biological control agent due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties (Coutinho and Venter, 2009). 2.3 Genomic insights and diversity The genomic plasticity of Pantoea ananatis is a key factor in its adaptability and pathogenicity. The bacterium's genome includes a variety of mobile genetic elements, such as plasmids and integrative conjugative elements, which contribute to its genetic diversity and ability to infect multiple hosts (Weller-Stuart et al., 2017; Maayer et al., 2017). Comparative genomic analyses have revealed two distinct clades within P. ananatis, each with unique genomic characteristics and pathogenicity determinants (Maayer et al., 2017). The complete genome sequencing of various strains has provided insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying its pathogenicity and its potential use in biotechnological applications (Weller-Stuart et al., 2017; Kini et al., 2020; Yu et al., 2021). 3 Epidemiology and Spread 3.1 Geographical distribution and affected regions Pantoea ananatis is a globally distributed pathogen affecting a wide range of crops. It has been reported in various regions including Europe, Africa, Asia, North and South America, and Oceania, spanning from tropical and subtropical regions to temperate areas (Bragard et al., 2023). In Poland, P. ananatis has been identified as a new pathogen affecting wheat plants, marking the first report of its kind in this region (Krawczyk et al., 2020a). Additionally, it has been associated with rice blight in China and several West African countries, including Burkina Faso, Togo, and Benin (Kini et al., 2020; Yu et al., 2021). 3.2 Modes of transmission and infection Pantoea ananatis can be transmitted through multiple vectors and mechanisms. Insects play a significant role in its transmission; for instance, the western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera) has been identified as a vector for P. ananatis, transferring the bacterium from infected to healthy maize plants (Krawczyk et al., 2020a). Similarly, the rice planthopper (Laodelphax striatellus) has been found to harbor P. ananatis, suggesting its role in the bacterium's spread among rice crops (Bing et al., 2022). The bacterium can also be transmitted through seeds and plant material, which are primary pathways for its entry into new regions (Bragard et al., 2023). 3.3 Environmental factors influencing spread The spread of Pantoea ananatis is influenced by various environmental factors. This bacterium can proliferate in
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