Evolution of copper resistance in Xanthomonas euvesicatoria pv. perforans population

Abstract

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance is a significant threat to agricultural production as it reduces the efficacy of various antimicrobials including copper-based bactericides that are widely used to control plant diseases. The challenge of increasing antimicrobial resistance entering a production system necessitates a deeper understanding of the dynamics and mechanisms by which pathogens acquire resistance. As a result of this research, we have identified different mechanisms of copper resistance acquisition as well as levels of copper resistance in a devastating plant pathogen, X. euvesicatoria pv. perforans . The evolution and dissemination of copper resistance in strains through plasmid or chromosomally integrated genomic island or both presents barriers to current management approaches, where growers rely heavily on copper-based bactericides to manage disease outbreaks. This knowledge is crucial when considering the continued use of existing antimicrobials or adopting alternative antimicrobials in efforts to implement enhanced antimicrobial stewardship strategies in agriculture.