Characterization of Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum phylotype I isolates causing bacterial wilt in Democratic Republic of Congo

Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum is a soil-borne bacterial pathogen responsible for bacterial wilt disease in a wide range of host plants, including solanaceous crops. In this study, we collected 22 bacterial wilt isolates from solanaceous crops in seven sampling plots across the Kongo Central region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The genomic characterization of these isolates identified a single haplotype belonging to the R. pseudosolanacearum phylotype I sequevar 31 genetic lineage. We assembled the genome sequence of one representative strain RUN6904, placed it in a phylogenetic context, and identified its type III effector repertoire. We demonstrated the virulence of the DRC isolates on tomato and showed the resistance of the AG91-25 eggplant accession likely triggered by the recognition of the RipAX2 type III effector from these isolates.