Citrus genomic resources unravel putative genetic determinants of Huanglongbing pathogenicity

<p>Citrus HLB caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus is a pathogen-triggered</p> <p>immune disease. Here, we identified putative genetic determinants of HLB</p> <p>pathogenicity by integrating citrus genomic resources to characterize the pan</p> <p>genome of accessions that differ in their response to HLB. Genome-wide associ</p> <p>ation mapping and analysis of allele-specific expression between susceptible,</p> <p>tolerant, and resistant accessions further refined candidates underlying the</p> <p>response to HLB. We first developed a phased diploid assembly of Citrus sinensis</p> <p>&lsquo;Newhall&rsquo; genome and produced resequencing data for 91 citrus accessions that</p> <p>differ in their response to HLB. These data were combined with previous rese</p> <p>quencing data from 356 accessions for genome-wide association mapping of</p> <p>the HLB response. Genes determinants for HLB pathogenicity were associated</p> <p>with host immune response, ROS production, and antioxidants. Overall, this</p> <p>study has provided a significant resource of citrus genomic data and identified</p> <p>candidate genes to be further explored to understand the genetic determinants</p> <p>of HLB pathogenicity</p>