Isolation and Characterization of Phage vB_XORNC02 as Potential Biocontrol Agent Against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo)

Oryza sativa (rice) accounts for ∼90% of global food production and consumption. However, current strategies are insufficient to control Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), a causative agent of bacterial leaf blight (BLB) that threatens rice production. This study reports the isolation of lytic bacteriophages from BLB-infected rice paddies in Naic, Cavite, Philippines, to address these concerns. Phages were isolated via direct isolation. Stability assays, in vitro killing tests, and comparative genome analysis were performed to determine its potential as a biocontrol agent. XORNC02 has a narrow host range and is stable in varying degrees of temperature and pH conditions. In vitro killing tests showed that XORNC02 is potent against Xoo. XORNC02 was identified as Tsukubavirus XPP1 and is identical (>95%) to other Xoophages isolated from the Philippines. The stability, high potency, and selective lytic activity of XORNC02 against Xoo exemplifies its ability as a biocontrol agent against BLB.