Evidence for the Widespread Occurrence of Bacteria Implicated in Acute Oak Decline from Incidental Genetic Sampling

Acute Oak Decline (AOD) is complex syndrome affecting Britain’s keystone native oak species, (Quercus robur L. and Q. petraea (Matt.) Liebl.), in some cases causing mortality within five years of symptom development. The most distinguishable weeping stem lesions, from which four species bacteria have been isolated: Brenneria goodwinii, Gibbsiella quercinecans, Lonsdalea britannica Rahnella victoriana. We do not yet know where else these exist, little known about the relationship wider leaf microbiome (phyllosphere) to acute decline. Here we investigate whether incidental evidence a large genome re-sequencing dataset could be used detect foliage, bacterial incidence co-varied with AOD status or location. leaves buds were sampled 421 trees at sites England. Whole genomic DNA samples was shot-gun sequenced short reads. Non-oak reads extracted data queried microbial databases. Reads uniquely matching AOD-associated genomes found present on all included active historic lesions without symptoms. abundance did differ between tree health categories but among sites. conclude that may members normal microbiome, whose presence sufficient cause