A malectin-like receptor kinase and bacterial motility shape tissue‑specific maize–Xanthomonas vasicola interactions

Xanthomonas vasicola pv. vasculorum (Xvv) is a bacterial pathogen of maize that exhibits both vascular and nonvascular lifestyles, offering a unique opportunity to dissect host-pathogen interactions across tissue types. Here, we combined fluorescence microscopy, dual RNA-seq, and functional genetics to characterize the interactions between Xvv and maize, both vascular and nonvascular.

Using distinct inoculation methods, we reveal temporally and spatially divergent colonization patterns and transcriptional responses in resistant (B73) and susceptible (CML333) maize lines. We identify a role for a malectin-like receptor kinase (ZmCrRLK1L19) in vascular disease resistance using transposon insertion lines. The gene colocalizes with a major Xvv vascular resistance QTL.