The Twin-Arginine Translocation (Tat) Pathway Is Essential for Virulence, Flagellation, and Chemotaxis in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola Strain RsGD42

Bacterial leaf streak, caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola, is an important disease of rice (Oryza sativa). Genetic determinants (tatABC genes) of the twin-arginine translocation (Tat) pathway from X. oryzae pv. oryzicola strain RsGD42 were cloned and characterized, meanwhile, a tatC disruption mutant was generated. The tatC mutant lacked detectable flagella and was highly impaired in motility and chemotaxis. Furthermore, it was observed that the tatC mutant exhibited a reduced production of extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) and a significant reduction of virulence on adult rice plants compared to wild type strain. However, the tatC mutation in X. oryzae pv. oryzicola strain RsGD42 did not affect the growth rate and the ability to induce hypersensitive response (HR) in nonhost tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Samsun). In conclusion, the data indicated that the Tat pathway significantly contributed to the virulence of X. oryzae pv. oryzicola.