Whole-genome sequence and genome annotation of Xanthomonas citri pv. punicae causing bacterial blight on pomegranate

Abstract The complete genome of Xanthomonas citri pv. punicae (Xcp-118), causal agent of bacterial blight of pomegranate, was sequenced using Illumina NextSeq500 platform. The 5.14 Mb genome has 64% GC content and contains 4371 genes with an average size of 980 bp; 4231 protein coding genes, 6 operons for rRNA and 58 tRNAs. Xcp-118 was found closest to Xanthomonas citri pv. punicae strain NCPPB 3563(CP030163) in phylogeny analysis. The complete genome sequence of Xcp-118 will provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of Xcp on pomegranate and may assist in finding a suitable blight resistant pomegranate variety.