Genome analysis of Spiroplasma citri strains from different host plants and its leafhopper vectors

Abstract Background Spiroplasma citri comprises a bacterial complex that cause diseases in citrus, horseradish, carrot, sesame, and also infects wide array of ornamental weed species. S. is transmitted persistent propagative manner by the beet leafhopper, Neoaliturus tenellus North America Circulifer haematoceps Mediterranean region. Leafhopper transmission pathogen’s host range serve as drivers genetic diversity. This diversity was examined silico comparing genome sequences seven strains from United States (BR12, CC-2, C5, C189, LB 319, BLH-13, BLH-MB) collected different hosts times with other publicly available spiroplasmas. Results Phylogenetic analysis using 16S rRNA 39 spiroplasmas obtained NCBI database showed strains, along kunkelii phoeniceum , two plant pathogenic spiroplasmas, formed monophyletic group. To refine relationships among phylogenetic analyses 863 core orthologous were performed. Strains clustered together were: CC-2 C5; C189 R8-A2; BR12, BLH-MB, BLH-13 319. Strain GII3–3X remained separate branch. Sequence rearrangements observed predominantly center chromosome. One to nine plasmids identified analyzed this study. Plasmids most abundant isolated followed Chinese cabbage, respectively. All these contained one plasmid high similarity pSci6 strain which known confer insect transmissibility. Additionally, 17 25 prophage-like elements genomes, may promote contribute repetitive regions. Conclusions The found contain single circularized chromosome, ranging 1.58 Mbp 1.74 1597–2232 protein-coding genes. These possessed similar associated leafhopper transmission. Prophage genomes extension its range. findings increase our understanding