Genetius

The study examined Xanthomonas strains causing bacterial spot on tomato in Oklahoma fields during 2018‑2019, revealing a shift from X. euvesicatoria pv. euvesicatoria (Xee) to X. euvesicatoria pv. perforans (Xep) race T4, which also expanded to pepper. Phenotypic assays and whole‑genome sequencing highlighted differences in race composition, host range, copper sensitivity, and effector repertoires, and identified a novel species, Xanthomonas oklahomensis.

The study investigated three plastidial GGPP synthase isoforms in tomato, focusing on SlG2’s role in volatile isoprenoid production and disease resistance. CRISPR-edited slg2 mutants exhibited elevated geranyl diphosphate-derived monoterpenes and higher salicylic acid levels, leading to increased resistance against Pseudomonas syringae infection. The authors propose that SlG2 modulates GPP synthesis by competing for heterodimerization with SSU-I proteins.

The study characterizes all seven malic enzyme genes in tomato, analyzing their tissue-specific expression, temperature and ethylene responsiveness, and linking specific isoforms to metabolic processes such as starch and lipid biosynthesis during fruit development. Phylogenetic, synteny, recombinant protein biochemical assays, and promoter analyses were used to compare tomato enzymes with Arabidopsis counterparts, revealing complex evolutionary dynamics that decouple phylogeny from functional orthology.