Genomic insights advance the fight against black rot of crucifers

Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, the causal agent of black rot of crucifers, was one of the first bacterial plant pathogens ever identified. Over 130 years later, black rot remains a threat to cabbage, cauliflower, and other Brassica crops around the world. Recent genomic and genetic data are informing our understanding of X. campestris taxonomy, dissemination, inoculum sources, and virulence factors. This new knowledge promises to positively impact resistance breeding of Brassica varieties and management of inoculum sources.