Understanding Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vignicola: Trends in Diversity, Virulence and Taxonomy

Xanthomonas is a genus of proteobacteria that occurs worldwide and is responsible for several plant diseases of a wide range of crops, such as cereals, leafy and fruity vegetables, and other commodities. Due to its significant phytopathogenic variety and phenotypic inconsistency, the genus Xanthomonas has long hindered the development of a stable grouping. It has been demonstrated that this genus contains 20 genomic species, or DNA homology groups. The species of Xanthomonas show comparatively significant degrees of general sequence resemblance. The members of the genus Xanthomonas exhibit host specificity and a wide range of phytopathogenic potential. This review presents a comprehensive literature exploration of Xanthomonas axonopodis, focusing on relevant sources. The analysis includes information on the taxonomy, diversity, and virulence characterisation of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vignicola. Literature analysis was done on online databases such as Google Scholar, Research Gate, Science Direct, Springer, Scopus, the National Centre for Biotechnology Information, PubMed, and JSTOR. This review explores the taxonomy, genetic diversity, and virulence characteristics of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vignicola, a significant phytopathogen causing bacterial blight in cowpeas. The study synthesises findings on morphological, biochemical, and genetic features, emphasising the pathogen's host specificity and virulence mechanisms, including secretion systems. A comprehensive analysis of the literature highlights the genetic diversity among isolates and its implications for disease management and resistance breeding. This review underscores the need for further research to refine pathogen classification and develop effective control strategies.