Insights in host dependency encoded within phytoplasma genomes

A strong community of scientists has been established within the last 40 years in phytoplasma research. Hereby, knowledge of these phytopathogenic bacteria increased dramatically in all fields catalysed by the introduction of molecular techniques and bioinformatics. The determination and analysis of genome data provided insights in the genome organization, content, evolution but also an excellent database for experiments studying putative virulence factors and for the development of diagnostics tools. In contrast to this progress, the understanding of the metabolism appears still weak. Its interpretation is essential for the understanding of the pathogen-host and host-pathogen interaction. An overview about the genetic information in the ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma asteris’ strains OY (line OY-M), AY-WB, ‘Ca. P. australiense’, and ‘Ca. P. mali’ is provided with respect to the encoded pathways and the resulting general requirements on the host.