A groundbreaking discovery by Chinese and international scientists this month reveals a novel strategy to combat Xanthomonas, a bacterial pathogen threatening global food security. Published in Science, the study exposes how this 'crop killer' hijacks plant nutrients to fuel its destructive spread across rice fields and other vital crops.
Researchers from Southwest University, Jilin Agricultural University, and Duke University discovered that Xanthomonas secretes enzymes to convert plant nutrients into xanthosan – a compound it systematically reabsorbs through specialized transport proteins. 'This pathogen essentially builds a nutrient pipeline within rice plants,' explained lead researcher Wang Shanzhi. 'Blocking this pipeline weakens its attack while preserving crop health.'
The team's innovative 'anti-xanthomonadin' approach, tested through transgenic rice trials, demonstrated enhanced disease resistance without compromising growth. With Xanthomonas affecting over 400 crop species worldwide – including citrus and tomatoes – this breakthrough holds cross-crop potential. Agricultural analysts predict the findings could reshape sustainable farming practices as climate change intensifies plant disease risks.
Collaborating institutions from the Chinese mainland, the United States, and the Republic of Korea emphasize that this biological warfare insight marks a critical step toward food system resilience. As global rice production faces mounting pressures in 2025, this research offers timely solutions for farmers and biotech developers alike.
